Pathologists Assistant

Health ProfessionalPosition 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 accessioningObtains the clinical history including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc.Describes gross anatomic features, dissects surgical specimens and prepares tissues for processingObtains 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 faxitronPhotographs pertinent specimens and microscopic slides as directedAssists in the preparation and performance of human postmortem examinations, including:Ascertains proper legal authorization for autopsyRetrieves patient's chart and other pertinent data for reviewConfers 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 involvedNotifies the physician in charge, the funeral home liaison, and other authorities prior to the dissection to coordinate special requests for specimen samplingPerforms postmortem examinations, which may include: external examination, in situ organ inspections, evisceration dissection and dictation or recording of data and gross anatomic findingsIn collaboration with the pathologists(s), selects and prepares gross tissue sectionsObtains biological specimens for analysis (blood cultures, viral cultures, toxicological material, etc.) and upon direction for special proceduresPhotographs body, organs, microscopic slides, and other relative materialsMay assist in assembling data necessary for the preparation of the preliminary summarization of the clinical historyAssists in the release of the body to the correct mortuary, following proper restoration and indicating any biohazards that may be presentMaintains laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of suppliesConserves laboratory resources by using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job resultsPrepares reports of technological findings by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing informationMay 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 codingResponsible for assuring proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suiteRequired QualificationsBachelor'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 QualificationsPrevious experience assisting with gross description and dissection of surgical tissue.