Pathologists Assistant

Position Summary

Under the supervision of a pathologist, provides technical assistance in all areas of anatomical pathology. Describes and examines surgical specimens, performs autopsy pro-section, obtains appropriate specimens for microscopic evaluation, and describes findings.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Oversees the gross room, frozen section area, and morgue facilities.
• Maintains specimens in the gross room and accessesions as needed.
• Performs routine gross dissection in consultation with the pathologist.
• Assists in the preparation and dissection of human surgical specimens:
• Ensures appropriate specimen accessioning.
• Obtains clinical history including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc.
• Describes gross anatomic features, dissects surgical specimens, and prepares tissues for processing.
• Obtains biological specimens for analysis (blood cultures, viral cultures, toxicological material, flow cytometry, image analysis, etc.) and performs special procedures such as coronary artery perfusion studies, tumor triage, and faxitron.
• Photographs pertinent specimens and microscopic slides as directed.
• Aids in the preparation and performance of human postmortem examinations:
• Ascertains proper legal authorization for autopsy.
• Retrieves patient’s chart and other pertinent data for review.
• Confers with the pathologist(s) to identify special techniques and procedures required and notifies all personnel directly involved.
• Notifies the physician in charge, the funeral home liaison, and other authorities prior to the dissection to coordinate special requests for specimen sampling.
• Performs postmortem examinations, which may include: external examination, in situ organ inspections, evisceration dissection, and dictation or recording of data and gross anatomic findings.
• Selects and prepares gross tissue sections.
• Obtains biological specimens for analysis (blood cultures, viral cultures, toxicological material, etc.) and performs special procedures upon direction.
• Photographs body, organs, microscopic slides, and other relative materials.
• Assists in the release of the body to the correct mortuary, following proper restoration and indicating any biohazards that may be present.
• Maintains laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies, placing and expediting orders for supplies, and verifying receipt of supplies.
• Conserves laboratory resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
• Prepares reports of technological findings by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information.
• May perform duties related to the administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, reports, and data including filing of reports, protocols, photographic and microscopic slides, and assuring completion of coding.
• Responsible for assuring proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from a Pathology Assistant Program OR completion of a post-bachelor’s program from an approved school of pathology OR Bachelor of Science with background in physiology and anatomy and three years of pathology experience.
• Pathologist Assistant Certification, or eligible to take the Pathologist Assistant Certification exam and must be certified within 18 months of hire or transfer.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience assisting with gross description and dissection of surgical tissue.