Section Head – Anatomical Pathology (MD Consultant)

Position Overview

We are seeking a distinguished and highly motivated Consultant Anatomical Pathologist to assume the pivotal role of Section Head within our Anatomical Pathology department. This leadership position demands a candidate with exceptional clinical expertise, a commitment to diagnostic precision, and a proactive approach to quality assurance, all in strict adherence to the rigorous standards set by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions (CBAHI). The successful candidate will be responsible for steering the section toward operational excellence while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical & Diagnostic Excellence

The Section Head will provide advanced diagnostic services in histopathology and cytopathology, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of surgical pathology cases, biopsies, cytology specimens, and frozen sections. This role requires active participation in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to contribute expert insights and support clinical decision-making. The candidate will be tasked with maintaining stringent diagnostic accuracy and ensuring compliance with established turnaround time (TAT) benchmarks to uphold the highest standards of patient care.

Leadership & Operational Management

As a key leader, the Section Head will oversee the management and development of the Anatomical Pathology section, including the supervision of pathologists, laboratory technologists, and trainees. This involves designing and implementing robust policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and optimized workflows to enhance operational efficiency. The role also includes monitoring critical performance indicators, such as TAT, quality control (QC) metrics, and workload distribution, to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Quality Assurance & Accreditation Compliance

The Section Head will ensure full compliance with CAP and CBAHI accreditation standards, overseeing the implementation and maintenance of comprehensive quality management systems (QMS). This includes leading internal audits, managing external proficiency testing programs, and facilitating inspections to validate adherence to regulatory requirements. Additionally, the candidate will be responsible for overseeing incident reporting mechanisms and implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to mitigate risks and enhance laboratory safety and reliability.

Education, Training & Research

This role presents an opportunity to shape the future of the Anatomical Pathology section through mentorship, training, and academic leadership. The Section Head will provide guidance and support to staff and residents, fostering professional growth and development. Furthermore, the candidate will lead continuing medical education (CME) initiatives, promote evidence-based practices, and encourage research activities to advance the field of pathology and contribute to the body of scientific knowledge.

Required Qualifications

• Medical Doctor (MD) degree in Anatomical Pathology.
• Board certification in Anatomical Pathology, such as the Arab Board, European Board, or American Board certification.
• Valid classification and license as a Consultant from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).
• Minimum of 7–10 years of postgraduate experience, with a proven track record in a leadership role within a clinical or laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated experience in a CAP-accredited laboratory is highly desirable.

Required Competencies

• Advanced diagnostic expertise in histopathology and cytopathology, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• In-depth understanding of quality systems, accreditation standards, and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex operational and clinical challenges.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Capacity to manage high workloads and complex cases while maintaining composure and delivering high-quality results.

Selection Criteria

Candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Professional qualifications, including board certification and relevant academic credentials.
• Depth and breadth of diagnostic experience in anatomical pathology.
• Proven leadership experience within a laboratory or clinical setting.
• Knowledge and hands-on involvement in accreditation processes and quality management systems.
• Contributions to research, publications, and academic activities that advance the field.
• Performance in interviews, including case discussions and scenario-based assessments.
• Quality of references and evaluations from previous roles and professional networks.