Pathologist, Bronx VAMC

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

Working at the Bronx Veterans Affairs Hospital as a pathologist offers several unique benefits and fulfilling professional opportunities:

1. Service to Veterans: A role at the VA allows pathologists to directly contribute to the health and well-being of veterans, a mission that many healthcare professionals find deeply rewarding and meaningful.

2. Advanced Research Opportunities: The VA often collaborates with leading academic institutions, offering pathologists access to cutting-edge research and the potential to participate in pioneering medical studies.

3. Comprehensive Benefits: The VA provides competitive salaries, robust health insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid leave, contributing to a secure and supportive work environment.

4. Work-Life Balance: The VA is known for promoting a good work-life balance, which can be particularly appealing for healthcare professionals seeking to balance their professional commitments with personal life.

5. Professional Development: The VA supports continuous education, training, and professional development, offering pathologists opportunities for further specialization and career advancement.

6. Collaborative Environment: Working at the VA means being part of a multidisciplinary team dedicated to comprehensive patient care. This includes close collaboration with other healthcare professionals for holistic patient management.

7. State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Bronx Veterans Affairs Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and technology, enabling pathologists to provide high-quality diagnostic services.

8. Diverse Patient Population: Serving a diverse veteran population offers a wide range of cases and learning opportunities, enhancing professional growth and expertise.

9. Job Security: Positions within the VA system typically offer greater job security compared to many private sector jobs, which may be subject to market fluctuations and organizational changes.

10. Impactful Work: The role of a VA pathologist is highly impactful, as it directly influences the health outcomes and quality of life for veterans, providing a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.

If you are looking for a career that combines professional excellence with a meaningful mission, working as a pathologist at the Bronx Veterans Affairs Hospital can offer a fulfilling and impactful opportunity.

Please apply at USAJobs Pathologist position or send your resume directly to Jean.Victomar@va.gov

The James J. Peters VAMC is a tertiary care facility classified as a Clinical Referral Level 1 Facility. It is a teaching hospital, providing a full range of patient care services, with state-of-the-art technology as well as education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary care, tertiary care, and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics, and extended care. The James J. Peters VAMC is a part of VA Network 3, which includes facilities in Brooklyn, Castle Point, Manhattan, Montrose, Northport, St. Albans (Queens), New York and East Orange and Lyons, New Jersey.

Today the James J. Peters VAMC has 311 authorized hospital beds and 120 nursing home beds and operates several regional referral points including Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) and VISN referrals for Medical/Surgical subspecialties. For example, the James J. Peters VAMC SCI Patient Care Center is the referral point for VISN’s 2, 3 and 4 as well as Department of Defense (DOD) new SCI patients. 

Paid Time Off:

• 26 Days paid annual (vacation/personal) leave
• 13 Days paid sick leave each year with no limit on accumulation
• 11 Federal holidays with pay annually
• 5 Days paid absence to attend approved CME courses

Insurance:

• Health Insurance: VA employees have an outstanding number of health insurance plans from which to choose (premiums are partially paid by VA) Lifetime Healthcare Insurance options available
• Dental & Vision: Our insurance options also include exceptional vision and dental plans (premiums are partially paid by VA)
• VA employees have the option to use Flexible Spending Accounts, which allow you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical, dental, and vision care expenses that are not reimbursed by your health insurance plan
• Term life insurance, family, and additional coverage options are available with the cost shared by the Federal Government
• Long-term care insurance is available as an option

Federal Retirement Plan:

• VA employees are covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). FERS is a three-tiered retirement plan composed of 1) Social Security benefits, 2) FERS-RAE basic benefits (pension), and 3) Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) which is a 401K-type plan
• How is the pension funded? VA employees automatically contribute 4.4% of their salary each pay period and the VA contributes 12.2% of the employee’s salary each pay period for a total annual contribution percentage equal to 16.6% of the employee’s salary
• Similar to the 401(k) savings plans widely available in the private sector, the TSP allows employees to tax defer a portion of their income each year, subject to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Service. For calendar year 2020, employees under the age of 50 may contribute up to $19,500, while those over age 50 are eligible to make catch-up contributions that allow them to defer up to $25,500.
• The Federal Government also provides an automatic basic contribution (1% of salary) and up to 4% of salary in matching contributions, depending on the amount of the employee contribution
• For retired military personnel, these benefits are in addition to full monthly retirement pay or pension
• In addition to FERS, VA provides health care insurance coverage for retired personnel
• Disability Retirement
• Employees are vested in a federal pension after only 5 years service