Pathologist Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

Performs evaluation, examination, description, dissection, and sectioning of gross tissue in anatomical, surgical, and postmortem pathology for microscopic evaluation and review under direction/supervision of licensed, board-certified pathologist. Actively promotes a lean work culture by performing group leader duties to encourage consistent use of lean principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements.

EDUCATION

• Bachelors degree in Biological or Health Sciences and graduate of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredited Master's degree pathologist's assistant training program

CERTIFICATION SUMMARY

• American Society for Clinical Pathology pathologists' assistant within 1 year of employment or Masters degree from approved pathology assistant program

EXPERIENCE*

• No minimum experience required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS*

• NA

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES*

• Proficient in computers, internet, multiple-interfaced systems, laboratory information system, and Microsoft Excel and Word or equivalent applications
• Knowledge of photographic equipment
• Strives for adult-adult relationships with colleagues, subordinates, and superiors
• Strong organizational capabilities, good communication skills, enthusiasm, and willingness to work with others

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES*

1. Prepares and performs surgical specimen dissection by assuring appropriate specimen accessioning, obtaining pertinent clinical information and studies, describing gross anatomic features, identifying anatomical structures within specimen, dissecting surgical specimens, and preparing and selecting tissue for further histologic processing and microscopic examination by pathologist according to prescribed training and lab manuals.
2. Prepares tissue for additional analytic procedures such as immunohistochemical staining, flow cytometry, image analysis, microbiological cultures, genetic analysis, chemical analysis, and toxicology and assists in photography of pathological specimens as indicated or requested.
3. Assists in performance of postmortem examination (external exam, in situ organ inspection, evisceration, dissection, dictation, recording data such as organ weights, presence of body fluids, gross anatomic findings).
4. Selects and prepares tissue for frozen section analysis, histologic processing, and special studies.
5. Obtains/reviews patients chart and other pertinent clinical data studies.
6. Assists with frozen sections, special procedures, and research activities.
7. Trains, instructs/orients, and mentors students, residents, coworkers, and other healthcare providers as necessary.
8. Maintains morgue and gross room, including work environment, equipment, and supplies.
9. Actively promotes a lean culture by performing duties to promote an understanding and consistent use of lean principals and processes.
10. Facilitates implementation of lean process improvement ideas.
11. Performs duties, makes decisions, takes actions, and strives to improve work processes using an awareness of how the work performed is valued by the customer.
12. Follows departmental and system policies and procedures, including those pertaining to safety and compliance.
13. Performs other duties as needed by department.

SYSTEM RESPONSIBILITIES*

Safety: Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures. Responsible for the reporting of employee/patient/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to the supervisor and in the occurrence notification system.

Compliance: Monitors and ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and policies and procedures related to area of responsibility. Identifies potential risk areas within area of responsibility and supports problem resolution process. Maintains records of compliance activities and reports compliance activities to the Compliance Office.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS*

WORKING CONDITIONS*