The Imaging Service at the VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System in Cleveland, OH is seeking a full-time, permanent Associate Chief of Imaging Service (Nuclear Medicine) Physician to lead and oversee the entire Nuclear Medicine section. The selected candidate will be responsible for establishing and reviewing imaging procedural protocols, coordinating with the Imaging Service Chief, Administrative Officer, and supervisory technologists to ensure service quality and compliance.

As the authorized user and director, the incumbent, will oversee all aspects of the division's adherence to NRC regulations, with support from the radiation safety officer and the chief nuclear medicine technologist. This role will also be central to the department’s peer review and Regulatory Compliance efforts, including chairing the Quality Assurance Committee and providing expertise on standards set by agencies such as the Joint Commission, FDA, and Office of the Inspector General. The incumbent will contribute to resource management and fiscal planning to optimize operational efficiency, including staffing, equipment, and facility allocation.

In addition to administrative duties, the incumbent will participate in clinical imaging practices, which include but are not limited to:

- Performing routine and emergent interpretation and reporting of nuclear medicine studies for both inpatients and outpatients

- Ensuring high-quality imaging, clinical collaboration, and compliance with accreditation standards from organizations such as the American College of Radiology, Joint Commission, and other regulatory bodies

- Advising collaborating physicians on clinical indications, limitations, and risks associated with diagnostic and therapeutic use of radioactive materials

- Establishing and enforcing radiation protection standards for patients and staff

- Monitoring safe handling, storage, and disposal of radioactive and hazardous materials, ensuring procedures are effective and current

- Staying current with relevant regulations and ensuring adherence across all operations

- Supervising nuclear medicine technologists regarding dosages, techniques, positioning, policies, and protocols

- Prescribing radiotracers and dosages for individual patients

- Maintaining quality assurance over radionuclide preparation and administration, ensuring regulatory compliance and safe management of radioactive substances

Clinically, the incumbent will serve as a radiologist responsible for interpreting nuclear medicine imaging studies within the scope of approved clinical privileges. Responsibilities include reviewing exam requests for appropriateness, developing imaging protocols, and supervising medication administration. The incumbent must ensure timely, accurate communication of results, particularly for critical findings.

The entire Imaging Service collaborates extensively across specialties including Cardiology, Oncology, Endocrinology, Neurology, and Surgery to deliver integrated, patient-centered care. There are numerous opportunities to engage with academic partners within the Cleveland medical community.

Our service is involved in advanced academic research in molecular imaging, theragnostic, and imaging outcomes. We operate a comprehensive imaging fleet, including three state-of-the-art PET/CT scanners, gamma cameras, and five SPECT/CT systems. Our PET program features a variety of radiotracers such as FDG, amyloid tracers, dotatate and PSMA, with plans to expand into cardiac perfusion PET. We also have a robust theragnostic program providing targeted radiopharmaceutical therapies for prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, and bone metastases (e.g., Pluvicto, Lutathera, and Xofigo), in collaboration with Oncology and Radiation Oncology.

Interested applicants can find more information and apply at: https://www.usajobs.gov

• 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.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• 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).