Pathologists' Assistant-Per Diem
Brigham & Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
Under minimal supervision, the Pathologists' Assistant independently performs tasks related to the processing of human surgical pathology specimens. This includes gross description and dissection, diagnostic section submission, and case review with pathologists when required. The role involves teaching gross anatomy, specimen orientation, tissue selection, cryotomy, and staining techniques for intraoperative diagnoses.
Key Responsibilities:
Workflow Management:
Organize Grossing Room workflow, redirect focus of residents, grossing technicians, and other technical staff as needed.
Monitor surgical specimen intake to ensure proper assignment to staff.
Coordinate PA and technical staff schedules to maintain adequate weekday coverage in the grossing and cytology prep rooms.
Technical Tasks:
Perform gross description and dissection of all surgical pathology specimens (Levels 1-5) and review cases at sign-out with a pathologist.
Provide instruction on gross anatomy, specimen orientation, tissue selection, and staining techniques.
Conduct frozen section examinations by cutting and staining tissue samples.
Photograph and x-ray specimens for diagnostics, research, and clinical studies.
Manage data entry and confirm surgical pathology accession numbers, patient charge information, and laboratory system updates.
Instruction and Competency:
Train and orient Grossing Technicians and residents in surgical pathology techniques.
Contribute to staff competency assessments.
Quality Control:
Maintain diagnostic viability of specimens and ensure compliance with labeling standards and regulatory guidelines (JC, CAP, etc.).
Troubleshoot QA/QI issues, including mislabeling or missing specimens, and work with staff to resolve.
Assist in regulatory inspections preparation and act as an on-site resource for supply or service issues.
Research and Collaboration:
Facilitate the proper acquisition of tissue for clinical studies, teaching, and research.
Assist in preparing materials for research, conferences, and special studies.
Laboratory Maintenance:
Load and activate tissue processors, maintain a clean and organized workspace, and ensure adherence to safety protocols.
Working Conditions:
Hazards: Exposure to biohazardous materials, formaldehyde, hazardous chemicals, and infectious organisms.
Physical Demands: Frequent use of sharp instruments, lifting up to 50 lbs or greater, and exposure to equipment with moving parts.
Environment: Moderate noise levels and risk mitigated by observing proper protocols.
Qualifications:
Master's Degree from a NAACLS-accredited program.
Completion of an AAPA-approved Pathologists' Assistant Training Program.
PA(ASCP) certification required (or obtained within one year for recent graduates).
1-2 years of experience preferred.
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital is a 171- bed non-profit, community teaching hospital located in Jamaica Plain directly across the street from the Arnold Arboretum. Founded in 1900, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital offers comprehensive care in a wide variety of specialties. Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital is a designated Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a recognition that fewer than nine percent of all US hospitals receive. At Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, we believe that everyone should have the chance to live a healthy life. From creating breakthroughs that have paved the way for treatments around the globe to training the next generation of providers, our patients, and those we may never meet, are at the center of everything we do. If you're looking for more than a career, join Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital. Our patients call it better care. Our employees call it home.
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.