Reported by 14 physicians · region cohort · total comp, not the employer's posted pay
Pathology·Monday–Friday; four 10-hour days at VAMC, fifth day at University of Pennsylvania·FPay transparency
Overview
The package
AI-structured
This is a VA Medical Center leadership role for an Associate Chief of Staff in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, responsible for directing all clinical, administrative, quality, research, and educational activities of the department. The position is based at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center with one day per week at the University of Pennsylvania, working four 10-hour days on-site and one day at the university.
$387,500 SalaryDr market context available for comparison
Monday–Friday; four 10-hour days at VAMC, fifth day at University of Pennsylvania
11 weeks PTO or vacation disclosed
VA Medical Center (Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VAMC) with one day/week at University of Pennsylvania · Federal VA Medical Center · Laboratory/pathology diagnostic services supporting both inpatient and outpatient care
Teaching responsibilities or academic setting indicated
AI-structured from the official posting·View original
Posted pay vs real comps
$315k$388k$413k
Physician-reported range Reported median
Physician-reported range shown; the employer did not post pay for this role.
Compensation
Type
SalaryDr Market Context
Market context
$315,000 – $412,500
Structure
hybrid
Signing bonus
$0
Loan repayment
$0
PTO
11 weeks
$315k$388k$413k
Physician-reported range Reported median
This is SalaryDr Market Context computed from 14 verified physician submissions (region cohort). It is not the employer's posted pay. The employer did not disclose pay.
VA Medical Center (Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VAMC) with one day/week at University of Pennsylvania
Facility type
Federal VA Medical Center
Patient population
U.S. Military Veterans
Community snapshot
Peer median
$390k
51 reports · national
Active supply
2
2 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Transparent pay
0/2
state roles with reviewed pay
Work-life
3.6/5
7 physician reports
Cost of living
98
below U.S. avg (100) · BEA Regional Price Parities
Schools
+0.2
grade levels vs U.S. avg · NAEP 2024
51 SalaryDr Pathology reports in national show a $390,000 median.
2 active Pathology roles in Pennsylvania, including 2 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; 0 include reviewed transparent pay.
Physicians in this comparison cohort report 3.9/5 average job satisfaction.
Questions to ask the employer
What is the call schedule, and is call compensated separately or built into the base?
Generated from this posting's disclosed facts and the SalaryDr comparison — bring them to the first recruiter call.
Work Design
Schedule
Monday–Friday; four 10-hour days at VAMC, fifth day at University of Pennsylvania
Shift type
Day
Inpatient / outpatient
Laboratory/pathology diagnostic services supporting both inpatient and outpatient care
Coverage model
Monday–Friday, no call burden mentioned
Admin burden
High — role is primarily administrative/leadership (department director); responsible for budget, policy, regulatory compliance, QA, staffing, and executive meetings
OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?
The Associate Chief of Staff (ACOS) for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is responsible for the leadership, direction, and coordination of all activities within the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the VA Medical Center. The ACOS ensures the delivery of high-quality and cost-effective laboratory and pathology services to meet the needs of patients and the healthcare team. Leadership and Administration: Develops, implements, and evaluates policies and procedures for the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service. Directs and oversees operational activities to ensure continuous quality improvement, compliance with regulatory standards, and efficient use of resources. Manages budget planning and financial performance, ensuring optimal utilization of departmental resources. Supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Assures compliance with VA policies, CAP, CLIA, and other regulatory requirements. Represents the department in executive and administrative meetings, contributing to hospital-wide initiatives and policies. Clinical Services: Provides expert diagnostic services, including the interpretation of surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, and clinical laboratory tests. Ensures the availability of high-quality diagnostic services, including histology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, transfusion medicine, and point-of-care testing. Consults with medical staff on the interpretation and clinical relevance of laboratory findings. Ensures the implementation of standardized testing protocols and procedures. Research Service Collaborates closely with Research Service to promote VA research activities to establish an efficient process whereby research investigators and programs can partner with and track various services within the laboratory and pathology service. Provides researchers and the Research Service with appropriate expertise and partnership on available laboratory and pathology service resources as well as timely review of new and ongoing research projects for regulatory approval. Engages in and contributes to multidisciplinary research team meetings, collaborative planning efforts and relevant research committees. Promotes a culture of teamwork and shared goals in VA research. Quality Assurance and Improvement: Develops and oversees a robust quality assurance program, ensuring adherence to best practices and continuous improvement. Monitors performance metrics, patient outcomes, and satisfaction to identify areas for improvement. Leads root cause analyses and corrective action plans when quality issues arise. Ensures compliance with safety and infection control policies and practices. Education and Training: Provides leadership in educational programs for residents, fellows, medical students, and laboratory staff. Develops continuing education and professional development programs to ensure staff remain current with advances in pathology and laboratory medicine. Participates in academic activities, including clinical research, publications, and presentations. Interdepartmental Collaboration: Coordinates with other clinical and administrative departments to optimize patient care and services. Engages in multidisciplinary team meetings and collaborative planning efforts. Advises and supports clinicians on the appropriate use of laboratory and pathology services. Promotes a culture of teamwork and shared goals across all areas of the organization. Skills and Abilities: Strong leadership and administrative skills. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills. Ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively. Commitment to providing high-quality patient care and advancing the mission of the VA. VA offers a comprehensive total rewards package. VHA Physician Total Rewards. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday. Selectee will work four ten hour days at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, and the fifth work day at the University of Pennsylvania. Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Authorized for well qualified. Pay: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME) Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification) Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting
U.S. Citizenship; non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). You may be required to serve a probationary period. Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
Your application, resume, C.V., and/or other supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. NOTE: A formal pay-setting process will be used to determine your salary. The salary may be at any point in the range listed for this vacancy. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. Veterans' Preference Note: Preference eligible candidates and other Veterans will be given preference when qualification of candidates are approximately equal for Title 38 positions in VHA. When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
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