Pathologists Assistant

Health Professional

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. May assist in the preparation, processing and determination of needle aspirates and renal biopsies.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Oversees the gross room, the frozen section area and morgue facilities.
• Monitors the specimens as they arrive in the gross room and accessions specimens as needed. Performs routine gross dissection in consultation with the pathologist.
• Assist in the preparation and dissection of human surgical specimens, including:
• Assures appropriate specimen accessioning
• Obtains the 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
• Assists in the preparation and performance of human postmortem examinations, including:
• Ascertains proper legal authorization for autopsy
• Retrieves patient's chart and other pertinent data for review
• Confers with the pathologist(s) to identify the special techniques and procedures required (e.g., histochemical, immunofluorescence, toxicological, viral or electron microscopic suites, cultures, smears, etc.) 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
• In collaboration with the pathologists(s), selects and prepares gross tissue sections
• Obtains biological specimens for analysis (blood cultures, viral cultures, toxicological material, etc.) and upon direction for special procedures
• Photographs body, organs, microscopic slides, and other relative materials
• May assist in assembling data necessary for the preparation of the preliminary summarization of the clinical history
• 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; 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.