Job Description

Job Purpose: Helps pathologists diagnose diseases by performing the hands-on laboratory work needed to prepare and examine tissue specimens. They dissect and describe surgical samples, assist with autopsies, and ensure everything is properly processed and documented for accurate analysis. Their role supports the pathologist by handling the technical and preparatory tasks, allowing for timely and precise diagnoses. Duties: Perform gross examination by inspecting, measuring, and dissecting surgical specimens. This includes carefully observing tissue characteristics such as size, shape, and abnormalities. The information gathered helps guide further analysis and diagnosis. Prepare and submit tissue samples for microscopic analysis. This involves selecting the most relevant sections of tissue and properly preserving them. Accurate preparation ensures the pathologist can make a reliable diagnosis. Assist with autopsies and help determine the cause of death. Duties include examining organs, collecting samples, and documenting findings. This work contributes to medical knowledge and may have legal or clinical importance. Support intraoperative (frozen section) procedures for rapid diagnosis. This requires quickly preparing tissue samples during surgery so pathologists can provide immediate feedback. The results can directly impact surgical decisions. Accurately document findings and maintain detailed records. Clear and precise documentation ensures that all observations are properly recorded for review. It also supports communication across the healthcare team. Ensure proper labeling, handling, preservation, and tracking of specimens. This helps prevent errors such as misidentification or contamination. Maintaining accuracy is critical for patient safety and diagnostic reliability. Communicate with pathologists, surgeons, and lab staff about specimen status. This includes providing updates and clarifying any questions about samples. Effective communication helps ensure smooth workflow and timely results. Follow strict safety, infection control, and quality standards. This protects both patients and healthcare workers from potential hazards. Adhering to protocols also ensures compliance with healthcare regulations. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and manage workflow efficiently. This includes ensuring instruments are functioning correctly and used properly. Good time management helps handle high workloads in a hospital setting. Participate in training, research, and quality improvement activities. This may involve teaching students or assisting in studies to improve lab practices. Continuous learning helps maintain high standards in patient care and diagnostics. Skills/Qualifications: NYS Licensure as a Pathologist Assistant bachelor's OR higher degree from a Pathologist Assistants program OR equivalent program as determined by the NYS Ed Dept OR have a Bachelor or Higher degree in a NAACLA accredited Pathologists' assistant program, 1-3 yrs related exp in Pathology. Surgical Pathology, Macroscopic description of gross anatomic features, Prepares tissues for histological processing, Sectioning surgical pathology specimens, Specimen fixation, Specimen receipt and labeling, Performs gross examination and dissection of large/complex specimens, Performs gross examination and dissection of small biopsies, Specimen Processing/Handling, Gross/microscopic photography, Obtain/Review patient clinical information (ex. Scans, X-rays, Lab results), Radiography, Professional Skills and Knowledge, Assist and train Pathology Residents in gross room techniques.

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