Pathology Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
Anyone interested in the field of pathology may look up the typical pathology job description to see if it’s the right choice for them. Learn more below.
What Is a Pathologist?
Definition and Medical Specialty Overview
Pathology refers to the process of researching and diagnosing diseases. Doctors within this field handle tasks like:
- Analyzing bodily fluids and tissue samples
- Finding innovative ways to diagnose illnesses
- Suggesting potential treatment options
Types of Pathologists
Anatomical Pathologists
These specialists don’t analyze blood samples to reach a final diagnosis. Instead, they focus on tissue samples and other medical specimens, such as biopsied masses.
Clinical Pathologists
The average clinical pathologist job description calls for using lab testing equipment to analyze blood samples, urine, and tissue to indicate diseases.
Forensic Pathologists
An experienced pathologist within this subspecialty will perform autopsies on patients who have endured either a violent or sudden death. The tissue specimens collected provide insight into the cause and manner of death.
Other Specialized Pathologists
Doctors can study diseases within several unique fields, including but not limited to:
- Neuropathology
- Immunopathology
- Surgical pathology
- Medical microbiology
Key Pathologist Responsibilities
Clinical Examination and Diagnosis
It’s up to pathologists to develop a diagnosis using their medical knowledge of common illnesses.
Laboratory Testing and Analysis
Analyzing bodily fluids is a major part of the pathology job description. Doctors must be thorough with disease identification and testing methods.
Report Documentation
After conducting lab tests, professionals issue pathology reports outlining their findings and final diagnosis.
Collaboration With Healthcare Teams
Experts discuss the results with treating physicians. Suggesting potential treatment options is common, based on their knowledge of new research developments that show a successful course of treatment.
Research and Education
How do you improve the identification of harmful diseases? Ongoing research is essential for those within the field.
Required Qualifications and Skills
Education Requirements
You should first earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field before moving on to additional training.
Medical Degree
You must become an MD to work as a pathologist.
Residency and Fellowship
On-the-job residency training takes three to four years, depending on your subspecialty.
Certifications and Licensure
Every pathology job description calls for holding an active medical license.
Technical Skills
Qualified candidates need adequate research skills plus expertise in various laboratory techniques, as there can be different testing methods for analyzing bodily fluids.
Soft Skills and Personal Qualities
Doctors need excellent skills in communication and analysis.
Work Environment and Conditions
To diagnose diseases, these doctors may work in several different settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Laboratories
- Research institutions
- Private medical practices
Pathologists often work between 40 and 50 hours per week, providing a decent work-life balance. Doctors need basic motor skills and the ability to sit for extended periods.
Pathologist Career Path and Progression
Entry-level roles include lab technicians or assistants. The average pathology assistant job description counts it as a mid-level position, along with biomedical scientists.
A senior-level pathology job description calls for experienced doctors who may work in specialized fields like anatomical or surgical pathology.
Pathologist Salary and Job Outlook
Job candidates can expect to earn between $180,000 and $320,000 annually. Compensation varies by one’s location, experience, and market competition.
Job outlook data shows the demand for physicians, including pathologists, is expected to grow by 4%. Data shows that metropolitan areas call for more skilled pathologists.
How To Become a Pathologist
You must complete the following steps:
- Study medicine and earn your MD to get started.
- Pass certification exams.
- Complete pathology residency training and a fellowship for on-the-job training.
- Maintain your license by earning Continuing Medical Education credits.
Differences Between Pathology Settings
Hospital Pathologists
You’ll conduct tests within a hospital lab and potentially perform autopsies.
Private Laboratory Pathologists
This pathologist job description involves running blood, urine, and tissue tests to diagnose patients of private providers.
Academic and Research Pathologists
Experts look to improve treatment plans for diseases in a research setting.
Forensic and Legal Medicine Pathologists
These professionals diagnose a patient’s untimely death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pathology a Competitive Field?
Pathology is becoming increasingly competitive.
What’s the Difference Between a Pathologist and a Laboratory Technician?
Pathologists undergo more training and schooling.
Do Pathologists Interact With Patients?
They rarely speak with patients but may interact with them to discuss tests and treatment.
How Has Technology Changed the Pathology Profession?
Technology creates breakthroughs in transfusion medicine and osteopathic medicine. Experts can conduct tests and research groundbreaking developments in treatment.
What Subspecialties Offer the Best Career Opportunities?
Clinical, anatomical, and forensic pathology bring great opportunities.
Related Medical Careers and Alternative Paths
Forensic biology and histotechnology jobs have similar aspects to pathologist job descriptions. If you don’t want to work in a clinical setting, consider healthcare administration or consulting.
Robust medical knowledge is a key part of a pathology job description, making it possible to transition into this role. Get a demo of Weave’s products to see how they support healthcare professionals.
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