Medical Microbiology - Physician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Overview

Become a part of our organization as a Physician - Chief of Microbiology at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco, CA!

The Chief of Microbiology plays a vital role in the leadership of the Lab Medicine Service, overseeing all aspects of Microbiology, including clinical, administrative, educational, and research functions, as well as relevant performance metrics. This position is based at the San Francisco VA Healthcare System (SFVAHSC), primarily located at the SFVA Medical Center in San Francisco, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the effective and safe operation of the laboratory in accordance with standards set by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), The Joint Commission (JC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), among others.
• Guarantee that all laboratory activities comply with regulatory requirements, achieving success in accreditation inspections to maintain laboratory certification.
• Provide clinical guidance on patient care to technical staff and healthcare professionals, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration between the laboratory and clinical services. The Chief should be accessible at all times, except during personal leave, when a designated representative will cover (e.g., Section technical supervisor or Clinical Pathologist).
• Review and authorize all new and updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in Microbiology, ensuring that periodic reviews are conducted as required.
• Ensure the delivery of accurate test results with turnaround times (TAT) that align with the reasonable expectations of medical staff and accrediting bodies, supported by necessary resources from facility administration and human resources.
• Collaborate with section technical supervisors and specialists to ensure the availability of appropriate testing reagents and supplies.
• Foster a productive and balanced relationship with academic affiliates, VHA business partners (diagnostic industry, vendors, reference labs), and other VHA facilities to create mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Engage in the Lab Medicine Quality Management (QM) program, addressing relevant QM needs as dictated by accreditation, regulations, and both internal and external evaluations.
• Instruct and mentor residents, fellows, medical students, CLS interns, and other healthcare professionals seeking training in pathology and laboratory medicine (P&LM) and clinical laboratory science, ensuring that training goals in clinical microbiology are met.
• Participate in scholarly and innovative activities, which may encompass basic laboratory and/or clinical research aimed at enhancing patient care.
• Serve as the Assistant Site Director of UCSF Clinical Pathology Residency and/or Assistant Chief of Lab Medicine Service, among other roles.

Benefits and Features

• Salary Range: Expected between $200,000 - $400,000 annually (negotiable based on qualifications, credentials, and experience).
• Work Schedule: Flexible (8-10 hour Day Shift after training).
• Compensation: Competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, and regular salary increases.
• Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid leave annually (including 26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays, and potentially 5 days for CME).
• Retirement Benefits: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with contributions up to 5% by the organization.
• Insurance Coverage: Federal health, vision, dental, term life, and long-term care insurance (many federal programs can extend into retirement).
• Licensure: Must hold one full and unrestricted license from any U.S. State or Territory.
• CME Reimbursement: Up to $1,000 per year (must be full-time with board certification).
• Malpractice Coverage: Liability protection provided, including tail coverage.
• Contractual Terms: No Physician Employment Contract and minimal restrictions on moonlighting.

We invite you to explore the opportunity of joining our team in San Francisco, CA. We offer a mission that you can truly invest in, along with a vibrant environment for new experiences. Become part of a team that prioritizes a healthy work-life balance and find fulfillment in your role supporting those who have served.