Certified Pathologist Assistant - PRN

General Summary of Position

Performs gross pathology examinations and dissections of surgical and autopsy specimens. Independently evaluates frozen section tissue obtained luates tissue and determines appropriate sections needed for diagnosis. Performs and stains frozen section preparation for diagnosis.

• Standard Job Duty:
  Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Assures appropriate specimen identity and accessioning.
• Obtains clinical history, including scans, x‑rays, laboratory data, including interaction with clinicians, etc. Selects and identifies tissue for microscopic study; determines proper fixative solutions in which tissue will be maintained; dictates gross findings on selected specimen using appropriate terminology.
• Triages all specimens to ensure that workflow allows for efficient tissue processing resulting in the minimum amount of time necessary.
• Dictates preliminary gross anatomic pathology reports for review by pathologist by describing gross anatomic features via voice recognition or dictating system.
• Dissects anatomic pathology specimens utilizing appropriate fixatives to prepares tissues for histologic processing. Prepares tissues for microscopic examination, including frozen sections, and permanent sections for light, EM, immunofluorescence microscopy, studies for flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and performs special procedures including photographing all pertinent gross specimens/microscopic slides and tumor triage.
• Implements and monitors quality assurance procedures for the surgical cutting room. Assures that specimens are properly processed according to standard operation procedures and pinpoints any errors which impact surgical diagnosis.
• Independently evaluates frozen section tissue obtained at surgery; evaluates the tissue and determines the appropriate sections for diagnosis. Performs and stains frozen section preparations for diagnosis.
• Ascertains proper legal authorization for autopsy. Retrieves the patient's medical chart and other pertinent data for review with the attending pathologist(s). Prepares preliminary draft of autopsy paperwork at the pathologist direction.
• Confers with the attending pathologist(s) to identify any special techniques and procedures to be utilized in the completion of the postmortem examination, (e.g. cultures; smears; histochemical, immunofluorescence, toxicological, viral, or electron microscopy studies etc.), and notifies all personnel directly involved.
• Coordinates any requests for special specimen sampling (e.g. organ transplantation, research, etc.).
• Performs duties related to administrative maintenance of anatomic pathology protocols, photographic and microscopic slides.
• Ensures proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite and morgue, including disposal of specimens.
• Assists with the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology conferences as needed.
• Assists with anatomic pathology quality assurance reporting and performance improvement projects.
• Performs send out testing to reference laboratories and shared testing to other Med Star hospitals. Monitors pending log and mails reports as needed.
• Assists in training of techniques and procedures to associates as required.
• Standard Job Duty:
  Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.
• Standard Job Duty:
  Participates in multi‑disciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
• Standard Job Duty:
  Performs other duties as assigned.

• Master's degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant Program is required or equivalent/comparable educational credentials, e.g. M.D., D.O., etc. required

• 1–2 years related experience preferred.

• ASCP - American Society of Clinical Pathologist ASCP certification as a Pathologist Assistant, Certification by American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA) is required.

• Verbal and written communication skills. Basic computer skills required.
  Knowledge of human anatomy, macrosurgical techniques, general laboratory skills. Understanding of safety and infection control requirements of position. Demonstrated ability to obtain and prepare tissue for evaluation, provide assistance to pathologists, in a timely and quality manner. Proficiency in preparing and maintaining records, use of electronic communications tools and software. High degree of technical competence and knowledge of all histological techniques.
  
  Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with peers, patients, physicians, and other customers.

This position has a hiring range of $87,318 - $157,289