PRN Pathologists' Assistant

About the role

Perform anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of a licensed, board-eligible pathologist. Perform a variety of pathology tasks including gross examination and dissection of surgical pathology specimens and performance of postmortem examinations. May perform all the surgical and autopsy functions of a pathologist leading up to, but not including the diagnosis.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Preparation, gross description, and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens.
• Preparation of human postmortem examinations.
• Specimen accessioning.
• Obtain clinical history.
• Describe gross features of surgical specimens.
• Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy.
• Obtain samples for studies such as but not limited to flow cytometry, image analysis, research, cytogenetics, cultures, electron microscopy, immunofluorescence.
• Perform special procedures including review of x-ray imaging, frozen sections, tumor triage.
• Photograph gross specimens and microscopic slides.
• Consult with attending pathologist to identify special techniques to be utilized during the examination, including cultures, toxicology, coronary artery perfusion, enucleation, etc.
• Cook up any requests for special specimen sampling such as organ transplantation, research.
• Perform postmortem examinations including external exam, in-situ organ inspection, evisceration, organ dissection and dictation of findings.
• Prepare tissues for processing for light microscopy and special studies.
• Photograph the body, organs, microscopic slides and other pertinent materials.
• Absorb any requests for accreditation inspections (CAP, Joint Commission).
• May instruct, teach, or train in anatomy and physiology, gross pathology, photography, and gross dissection skills for surgical specimens as well as autopsy techniques.
• May train pathology residents/fellows, pathologists’ assistant students and other pathology lab personnel as needed.

Physical requirements

• Able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time.
• Visual activity must be unimpaired.
• Color differential is required.
• Equipment operation requires manual dexterity.
• Able to lift or pull 25 pounds.

Skills and abilities

• Able to concentrate for organizing tasks, reading, and matching identification numbers, and following complex procedures.
• Able to follow complex procedures with minimal guidance.
• Have knowledge of basic theory behind laboratory instrument operation.