Lead Pathologists' Assistant

About the role

The Lead Pathologists' Assistant is a staff position responsible for assisting pathologists in performance of surgical pathology services. Under the general supervision of the pathologist, works independently when performing professional duties associated with examination and/or preparation of the surgical pathology specimens. This position is responsible for the supervision and oversight of all Pathologists' Assistants in the Division under the Supervision of the Division’s Operations Director and the Division Medical Director.

Responsibilities

• Organize and manage workflow processes in the frozen section and gross examination areas.
• Work closely with on-site Pathologists in determining grossing priorities.
• Take instruction from on-site Pathologists with respect to grossing technique and quality assessment.
• Confer with and share with other HCA Pathologists' Assistants relevant information that would facilitate productivity and expand knowledge base.
• Triage specimen received from surgery; dictate gross findings on selected specimen using appropriate terminology; refer tissue sections for microscopic review by Pathologist.
• Select and identify tissue for microscopic study; determine proper fixative solutions in which tissue will be maintained.
• Perform specialized procedures such as frozen sections and decalcification; maintain and coordinate specimen and records for specialized procedures using appropriate protocols; submit request for special histological procedures and special stains when appropriate.
• Maintain records of surgical pathology specimen dissections and dictation; assist in the compilation of reports for surgical pathology; label and store gross tissue specimen.
• Photograph specimen samples as appropriate for use in instruction and documentation.
• Perform photo microscopy on cases considered for interdepartmental conferences or for teaching purposes; maintain complete and accurate records of all gross and microscopic photographs.
• Schedule Pathologists' Assistants to ensure coverage of all hospitals.
• Work with the Medical Directors of each site for initial and ongoing competence assessment and evaluations.
• Work with Quality staff on annual OPPEs.
• Responsible for Pathologists' Assistants related regulatory and accreditation compliance.
• Align and implement of best practice, in the grossing of complex specimens.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited Pathologist's Assistant program required.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a hospital based pathology laboratory setting.
• Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) required.