Chair, Department Pathology and Laboratory Services 

At Akron Children's, helping patients and families is at the heart of all we do.  We are the only freestanding, independent pediatric hospital in the region, and our compassionate providers are committed to delivering a lasting and meaningful impact.

We are seeking an accomplished, visionary, and collaborative physician leader to serve as Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. This individual will provide strategic, academic, clinical, and operational leadership for a growing department, ensuring excellence in laboratory medicine, diagnostics, education, research, and patient care.

The Chair will oversee all aspects of pathology and laboratory services, including quality, regulatory compliance, operational performance, faculty and staff development, educational programs, and research initiatives. As a key institutional leader, the Chair will partner closely with hospital and university leadership to advance the department's mission, drive innovation, and support system-wide clinical and academic excellence.

This unique opportunity offers a combined leadership role with responsibilities at Akron Children's and Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED).

Key Responsibilities

· Strategic and Operational Leadership
· Faculty, Staff, and Culture Development
· Academic and Research Leadership
· Institutional and Executive Leadership

Required Qualifications

• MD, DO, or equivalent medical degree.
• Board certification in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, or both.
• Eligibility for medical licensure in Ohio.
• Ability to serve as CLIA Director for the main hospital and affiliated facilities.
• Record of progressive leadership experience.
• Demonstrated leadership success in academic medicine, pathology, laboratory medicine, pediatric healthcare, or a related environment.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and collaborative leadership skills.
• Eligibility for academic appointment at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fellowship training in pediatric pathology, privileges at a pediatric facility, and/or significant experience caring for pediatric patients.
• Medical school faculty appointment and teaching experience.
• Experience with ACGME-accredited residency or fellowship programs, including roles as Program Director, Associate Program Director, or Assistant Program Director.
• Demonstrated success in program development, research leadership, faculty recruitment, mentorship, and team development.
• Experience as a laboratory inspector (e.g., CAP, COLA, AABB, or similar accrediting organizations).

Desired Leadership Characteristics:

• Deep understanding of laboratory operations, accreditation requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Strategic vision coupled with strong operational and financial acumen.
• High emotional intelligence and exceptional interpersonal skills.
• An inclusive, collaborative, and inspirational leadership style.
• Executive presence and the ability to influence and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, change management, and problem-solving capabilities.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with a commitment to innovation, growth, and continuous improvement.
• A passion for academic excellence, mentorship, and advancing the field of pathology and laboratory medicine.

What you can expect:

· Competitive, guaranteed base salary
· Collaboration with a supportive, integrated team
· Comprehensive benefits package
· Opportunities for personal and professional growth
· Generous vacation and CME time
· Impressive recruitment incentives
· A well-balanced work / life culture

 Akron Children's is a 501(c)(3) site that qualifies for Public Service Loan Forgiveness through the federal government.

 Inspire and make a difference:

Named as one of Forbes' Best-In-State Employers in 2025, Akron Children's is Northeast Ohio's largest and only independent pediatric health care provider with two hospital campuses, six regional health centers and 50+ care locations. Our providers work across state-of-the-art facilities built to support exceptional care for patients and their families.

 About Akron, Ohio:

Located near Cleveland, Akron blends the best of city living with easy access to the outdoors. From charming suburbs to lively neighborhoods, the area boasts nationally recognized parks, a dynamic arts and culture scene, and year-round recreation. Northeast Ohio truly offers a welcoming, affordable and enriching place to call home.

Whether you're actively searching or simply curious, we'd love to share what makes Akron Children's special. 

To apply, please submit a CV and letter of interest. Confidential inquiries may be directed to: Lori Schapel: lschapel@akronchildrens.org .

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About Akron Children's - Physician Recruitment

More Than a Job. It’s loving what you do - and why you do it. Akron Children’s Hospital is ranked among the best pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, but it’s our compassionate approach to treatment that sets us apart. It’s creating special high-fives. Thinking of new ways to spark a smile. Holding hands to offer comfort. And working to get a giggle that brightens a room. The minute you walk into Akron Children’s, you can sense that people here love what they do. From visits with the Doggie Brigade, to the balloons and smiles in the halls, the sights and sounds are all about one thing: the children. We are the largest pediatric healthcare system in Northern Ohio and one of the fastest growing in the country. Akron Children’s has two hospital campuses in Northeast Ohio: one in Akron and the other in Boardman in the Mahoning Valley. With two hospital campuses, regional health centers and more than 50 primary and specialty care locations throughout Ohio, we’re making it easier for today’s busy families - regardless of where they live - to find the high-quality care they need. No matter which of our locations you choose, you’ll see that when you give the most, you get more—support, rewards and satisfaction.

Connections working at Akron Children's - Physician Recruitment