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Joint Commission
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois

MD Pathologist Surveyor

PathologyFull-Time

Listed compensation

MAX $174,000

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 55m ago · Verified live

Job Description

Nationwide Search – Selected candidate can be located anywhere in the United States.

Under general supervision of the Field Director, reviews assigned functions in Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Program throughout the United States. Provides general evaluation services, education, and consultation consistent with applicable Joint Commission standards, policies, and protocols. Determines the degree of compliance with applicable standards.

Conducts a thorough and credible evaluation of assigned services that meet laboratory accreditation criteria. Plans, reviews, and apportions review time so that all review requirements are addressed thoroughly.

Reviews and evaluates pre-survey information; research, collects, organizes, and interprets information from multiple sources. Interviews physicians and staff to determine level of compliance with standards.

Analyzes documents, such as performance data, and use of clinical practice guidelines, to assess the level of compliance with Joint Commission standards, evidence of performance improvement, and quality of care.

  • Analyzes written self-descriptive program information.
  • Participates in and/or conducts all required conferences and interviews; analyzes all data submitted by the organization.
  • Documents all recommendations, providing adequate indication of non-compliance.
  • Submits review findings in a complete and accurate manner to the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Surveyor.

Interprets and explains the intent of the standards to the organization’s personnel. Consults with the organization during review concerning non-compliance, opportunities for improvement, and remedial action required. Recommends publications and other resources that clarify standards and/or demonstrates compliance with standards.

Requirements

Education

  • Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy
  • Pathologist, Board Certified in Clinical and Anatomic Pathology
  • Certification requirement: You must hold a CPHQ certification (Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality) through National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) at time of hire or attain by 12/31/28.

General Knowledge and Experience

  • Five years of recent clinical experience, including at least two years in management, preferably laboratory, and two years demonstrated responsibility for oversight, decision-making, management, and improvement in histopathology and cytology.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of pathology industry including trends, performance measurement, and improvement.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of compliance requirements related to CLIA’88.
  • Demonstrate general knowledge in areas of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.

Analytical Skills

Ability to research, collect, organize, interpret, and communicate information for multiple sources (i. e., documentation, observation, interviews) to assess the degree of compliance with Joint Commission standards.

Ability to critically review and analyze performance measurement data.

Ability to objectively assess organization performance.

Ability to differentiate and assess the adequacy of alternative/innovative approaches to standards compliance, consistent with survey policy and protocols.

Ability to analyze and synthesize survey findings to provide conclusions, recommendations, and educational opportunities.

Physical Abilities

Must be able to observe, in real time and without slowing or otherwise interrupting the progress of all applicable types of ongoing health care treatment (e. g., including emergency treatment, treatment during weather and other extreme situations, etc.).

Standing for long periods of time, walking lengthy distances, lifting, climbing, stooping, pulling, and pushing to adequately inspect and observe all medical facilities, equipment, and procedures, such as emergency exit procedures, remote storage facilities, any areas where cleanliness may affect the possibility of infection, medical equipment, etc., including the following activities: walking up and down stairways (e. g., to test escape routes, assess safety of emergency exits, regulatory compliance, etc.); removing obstructed covers or impediments to equipment or other mechanical areas. examining small and often dirty printed labels and print on equipment.

Must be able to engage in extensive travel as set forth above, including driving a car to remote locations, flying on small airplanes and into small airports, traveling in all types of weather conditions, etc.

MIN

$174,000

MAX

$174,000

Due to extensive travel requirements, candidates must be located within approximately 50 miles of a major commercial airport with direct access to domestic and/or international flight routes and facilities capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft.

Joint Commission offers a comprehensive benefits package. For an overview of our benefits package, please visit our Joint Commission Career Page

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee assigned to this position. The description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and abilities, and working conditions associated with this position. All requirements are subject to possible modification due to business needs and/or reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Key Responsibilities

The MD Pathologist Surveyor conducts evaluations of pathology and clinical laboratory programs to ensure compliance with Joint Commission standards. They analyze performance data, interview staff, and provide educational consultation to organizations regarding quality improvement and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Education
Professional certificate or licensure
Experience
5+ years of experience

Certifications

Board Certification

Key Skills

Compliance auditingData analysisMedical facility inspectionDocumentation review

Pathology — Physician Career Context

Pathology pay on WeekdayDoc is down 7.4% vs. the prior quarter (through Sep 2026).

The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$174k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $174k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Pathology by the numbers
MeasureThis jobMarket
Listed pay$174kPathology median $330k (middle half $272k–$385k)25 comparable listings, Oct 2026
Cost-of-living adjusted pay~$174k in purchasing powerIllinois index 100.0 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)
Pathology listings in Illinois11 active239 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Oct 2026
Pathology pay trend−7.4% vs prior quarter—through Sep 2026
Sources: WeekdayDoc live listing index, BEA Regional Price Parities (2024); as of Oct 2026. Same values as the Weekday Verdict and Market Insights on this page.

Top Pathologist Jobs

7 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution

7 jobs · 6 employers
1
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2
$250k-340k
1
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3
$430k-520k

Annual compensation range

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#3

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+ 5 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 3.0this job 1.5
Below most Pathology listings for work-life

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 233 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Joint Commission logo

About Joint Commission

Hospitals and Health Care
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois
1,001-5,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Health Insurance
Extensive travel required

Living in Oakbrook Terrace

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$461k≈ 2.7× annual pay
Typical market rent
$2,179/mo≈ 15% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
27 min
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.