Lead Pathology Assistant

Position Summary

A Sr. Pathologists’ Assistant provides anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of an attending pathologist. A Sr. Pathologists’ Assistant is qualified to perform gross dissection, description, and submission of tissue specimens for surgical pathology examination, preparation of tissue specimens for intraoperative consultation/frozen section examination, and dissection and examination of organs and tissues during autopsy examination. In addition, the Sr. Pathologists’ Assistant organizes and oversees the work of other pathologists’ assistants in the performance of the above duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.

· Perform gross dissection, description, and submission of tissue specimens for histologic processing and surgical pathology examination

· Provide a detailed and accurate description of tissue specimens using an electronic dictation system

· Perform gross dissection, description, and preparation of tissue specimens for intraoperative consultation/frozen section examination, including preparation of cryostat sections and smears/imprints and staining of slides for microscopic examination

· Preparation and submission of tissue specimens and other biological specimens for special laboratory studies, including flow cytometric and molecular analyses

· Perform dissection and examination of organs and tissues during autopsy examination

· Prepare for autopsy examination by obtaining patients’ medical records and arranging for radiographic examinations

· Perform gross and microscopic photography of specimens

· Participate in the teaching of pathology residents in gross tissue dissection and description techniques, intraoperative consultation/frozen section examination, and autopsy dissection and examination

· Assist in preparation of materials for educational conferences

· Assist with departmental quality assurance/quality improvement activities and compliance with all CLIA, CAP, TJC, and DC DOH standards

· Clean and maintain surgical pathology, autopsy, and other equipment.

· Perform duties relating to the administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, procedures, reports, and data

· Assist in standardizing and implementing new protocols and procedures, as necessary.

· Organize and oversee the work of other pathologists’ assistants in the performance of the above duties

· Assist in the performance evaluation of other pathologists’ assistants in the department

· Assist in the recruitment and selection of pathologists’ assistants to fill vacant positions in the department

· May be exposed to disagreeable odors and infectious diseases; therefore, must take proper safety precautions necessary to protect health and wellbeing.

· Manage the training, schedules, and evaluations for the Pathologists’ Assistant students.

Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education :

Master of Science degree from a NAACLS-accredited Pathologists’ Assistant training program. Certification as a Pathologists’ Assistant by the American Society of Clinical Pathology

Experience :

Minimum of 3 years.

Supervision Received:

General supervision received from the Administrative Supervisor and Attending Pathologists.

Supervision Exercised:

Organization and oversight of the work of other pathologists’ assistants

Physical Requirements:

Gross room and autopsy suite setting; working with formalin-fixed and fresh tissue specimens. Exposure to blood, body fluids, and airborne pathogens. Standing for long periods of time. Occasional lifting of supply boxes, if necessary. Gathering and organizing clinical information and data pertinent to examination of patients’ tissue specimens or performance of postmortem examination.

Competencies

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate providing verbal feedback in a professional manner. Must be able to follow and understand instructions, and react favorably in all work situations. Must have strong interpersonal skills and be mentally adaptable and flexible in dealing with a variety of people at various levels within and outside the MFA.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Works in a hospital and clinical laboratory setting.

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