Pathology Specialist

Pathology Specialist

Duties include, but are not limited to: Surgical Pathology (50%) - Establishes priorities in specimen processing according to laboratory guidelines and clinical considerations without input from supervisor or pathologists. - Independently perform all elements of macroscopic examination to include skills in differentiating normal and abnormal tissue appearances. - Sectioning of all types of surgical pathology specimens ensuring critical relationships within the tissue samples are adequately and accurately represented to allow the pathologist to render a full diagnosis. - Performing or requesting specialized tests including histochemical and immunohistochemical stains and flow cytometry and interpreting the results. - Maintenance of collections of gross photographs, residual tissue, and tissue blocks and slides. - Performs investigations and implements resolutions of problems related to both intra and extradepartmental Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology. - Performs all elements of gross examination and sectioning for diagnosis and treatment for all surgical specimens in accordance with the CAP Cancer Protocol Templates for patient staging as required. - Takes photographs or radiographs, performs margin assessment, applies tissue ink to identify surgical margins which are critical to cancer diagnostics, and takes necessary weights and measurements as required. - Performs macroscopic examination, selectively obtains dissected sections from fresh tissue samples and preparation of tissue for intraoperative consultations (STAT testing). - Ensures accuracy of specimen source, patient information and related information on specimen(s) and paperwork. - Prepares specimens for analysis, ensuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. - Accessions tests into the laboratory computer system and ensures all applicable orders are utilized. - Performs duties related to tissue disposal from surgical pathology and disposal of slides and patient materials based on VHA/National retention guidelines and needed. - Ensures sound infection control practices are followed, and that the correct personal protective equipment is used for tasks performed. Safely disposes of all chemical and biohazardous waste materials in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, and policies. - Utilizes computers and related software applications relevant to anatomic pathology technology. - Ability to independently perform with frozen section microtomy, staining of slides, cover slipping, labelling and telepathology. - Ability to perform preparation of cytology specimens to include aliquoting, centrifuging, submitting collected aggregates of cells for histological staining, slide creation and staining. Quality Assurance (25%) - Develop procedures to optimize resource utilization and to promote efficiency and productivity. - Ensures compliance with VHA and accreditation agency regulations governing laboratory operations. - Complies with and participates in quality initiatives, including audits and follow-up, site inspections, and process improvements. - Compiles and maintains anatomic pathology and autopsy quality data to include monthly and yearly statistics. - Participates in the accreditation inspection process. Training/Teaching (15%) - Teaches anatomic pathology practices and principles to clinical staff and allied health professionals. - Oversees and teaches residents, students, pathologists' assistants, and other qualified personnel in the initial examination, dissection, and processing of surgical pathology specimens. - Provides in-service training to departments throughout the hospital regarding specimen collection and submission to the laboratory manager or designee's request. - Maintains the resident and student grossing training records and safety training records. Autopsy (10%) - Performs autopsies in rotation with resident and/or senior staff, under the supervision of a Pathologist. - Inspects the autopsy consent form for accuracy and completeness and reviews medical records relevant to patient's death. - Coordinates and arranges viewings as requested by the family or hospital personnel. - Ensures autopsy and morgue suites are in compliance with all accreditation requirements and VA directives.

Work Schedule: 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday

Compressed/Flexible: Not Available.

Telework: This position is not authorized for telework.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Pathology Specialist / PD95381-A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized.

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized.