Pathologists' Assistant

Position Summary/ Department Summary:

Under general supervision of a Pathologist, independently performs or assists in accessioning, dissection, evisceration, description, autopsy, and histologic sampling of a full range of surgical specimens. Assists faculty in the supervision and training of entry level resident physicians and fellows in pathology.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs dissection and gross description of a full range of surgical pathology specimens. Ensures accuracy in dictation and appropriateness of tissue submitted for microscopic evaluation.
• Appropriately triages tissue for different types of fixation and special studies.
• Assists with the collection and storage of tissue for bio-banking and provides support for clinical and research requests involving bio-banked tissue.
• Orients and trains medical students, residents, fellows and less experienced personnel on gross room procedures and specimen processing techniques.
• Photographs and x-rays specimens as needed for diagnostic study, research and clinical studies.
• Assigns accession numbers to patient specimens and uses LIS to enter and edit patient information, track specimens and pathology materials and correct charges.
• Demonstrates competency with department equipment, computer systems and the dictation system.
• Troubleshoots issues that arise around specimen acceptability and specimen handling and works with management and other departments for effective resolution.
• Uses clinical judgement to make decisions in the grossing area and assists with maintaining operations.
• Performs post-mortem examinations, including assistance with obtaining authorizations, autopsy set-up, photography and x-rays, tissue collection, patient release and clean-up.
• Assists in keeping work areas clean, organized and in compliance with all safety regulations.
• Assists with effective inventory management.
• Maintains established department policies, procedures and objectives and adheres to all safety and regulatory requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• NAACLS accredited Pathologists’ Assistant Master’s degree
• OR Pre-2010: Bachelor’s and 3 years supervised internship

Certification/Registration Required

PA (ASCP) Eligible.