Pathologists’ Assistant- Laboratory

DESCRIPTION:

The Pathologists’ Assistant is an advanced allied health professional who works under the direction and supervision of anatomical and forensic pathologists. This role encompasses CPSO Delegation of Controlled Acts Policy responsibilities in both surgical pathology and forensic pathology, providing critical support for the gross examination of surgical specimens and the performance of post-mortem examinations in hospital and forensic settings.

The Pathologists’ Assistant ensures accurate specimen processing, detailed documentation, and high-quality sample preparation to aid in diagnosis, legal investigations, and public health reporting.

Additionally, the Pathologists’ Assistant will coordinate activities with the Senior Technologist of Histology to achieve maximum efficiency in the Department.

DUTIES:

• Perform detailed gross dissection and examination of a wide range of surgical specimens, including complex oncology and organ resections.
• Accurately and precisely describe/document anatomic features, orient specimens, and select representative sections for histological processing.
• Prepare and manage intraoperative consultations, including frozen section preparation and communication of findings to pathologists.
• Maintain documentation and digital imaging of specimens as required for diagnosis or education.
• Assuring special procedures/protocols are followed by staff involved in specimen procurement.
• Utilizing CAP cancer staging objectives to create standard procedures for sampling and dictation of gross surgical findings
• Review, understand and interpret clinical findings (e.g., patient history, imaging, labs, interdisciplinary reports) and correlate with pathological data to support accurate diagnosis.
• Initiate and coordinate ancillary studies, collaborating with the Pathologist as needed to ensure comprehensive case workups.
• Provide critical input for TNM cancer staging, directly influencing patient treatment planning, prognosis, and research.
• Apply advanced integrative thinking; misinterpretation at this stage may impact the pathologist’s final diagnosis and downstream decisions, including biomarker-based therapies.

• Assist in the performance of medicolegal autopsies, including external examinations, internal organ dissection, and collection of evidence for toxicology, histology, microbiology, and other forensic testing.
• Document factual findings with accuracy and precision. Attention to detail is essential as the information forms the basis for the consultative pathological opinion and becomes the data upon which the medicolegal death investigation system functions and upon which expert witness testimony is based in criminal trials.
• Handle and document forensic evidence in accordance with chain-of-custody protocols.
• Maintain respectful handling and identification of deceased individuals in collaboration with the forensic pathology and investigative teams.
• Participate in the documentation and photographing of autopsy findings for legal and educational purposes.
• Collaborate with the Pathologist in the performance of postmortem examination, including evisceration, dissection, and restoration of the body.
• Weighs remains, lifts remains onto the autopsy table, and assists Pathologists in all autopsy procedures.
• Works with Pathologists to arrange and assist with specialized examinations (Ensures that all health and safety procedures are followed, inspects autopsy equipment, and reports faulty equipment.
• Ensures records and logs are reconciled and correct.
• Ensures that the autopsy equipment is properly cleaned and sanitized daily.
• Ensures the autopsy suites are properly stocked and are operationally prepared at all times.
• Takes fingerprints of remains before, during, or after autopsy.
• Performs advanced fingerprint and identification techniques.

• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and infection prevention protocols across both surgical and forensic settings.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality control programs.
• Assist with training of pathology residents, medical students, and laboratory personnel.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of…