Pathologist Assistant

SUMMARY:

The Pathologist Assistant reports to the Lead Pathologist Assistant and the attending pathologist. Under general supervision, prepares surgical and autopsy specimens for microscopic examination, which includes gross description and dissection. Assists in the performance of postmortem examinations. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:
Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate.

Processes surgical pathology specimens including properly fixing, cutting, photographing, and sectioning of surgical specimens, including frozen sections and utilization of the laboratory information system according to standard operating policies and procedures. Performs postmortem examination under the supervision of the pathologist and assists medical students in performing autopsies. Works closely with residents and medical students, orienting and teaching. Maintains inventory and equipment including preventative maintenance tasks.

Notifies in a timely manner either the chief resident, fellow, Director of Surgical Pathology or Director of the resident’s program when work is beginning to back up. Ensures a clean and safe work environment by maintaining adequate supplies and instruments and monitoring the cleanliness of work-stations, including frozen section area. Ensures equipment is in good working order. Monitors hours and activities of grossing staff.

Performs other duties as assigned, such as accessioning, billing, and coding.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:
Bachelor’s Degree in biology and successful completion of an accredited pathologist’s assistant program or equivalent. Pathologist’s Assistant certification preferred. Completion of medical training or related doctoral program may be substituted for Pathologist’s Assistant certification. Professional knowledge and very high level of analytical ability to perform postmortem and tissue examinations interpret findings and determine data to be forwarded to pathologist. Knowledge of anatomic pathology computer system functions.

Ability to conduct gross dissection procedures utilizing surgical instruments. Interpersonal and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with pathologists, train medical students and residents, and present and defend case findings tten communication skills to prepare case summaries and interpretations, and reports of laboratory activities. Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

Three to six months’ job related experience to become familiar with a variety of procedures, techniques and equipment used in performing activities.

Physical abilities to assist in lifting and positioning bodies. Exposed to infectious diseases and odorous chemicals when performing autopsies and working with surgical specimens. Hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety precautions.

• Entry level

• Full-time

• Health Care Provider
• Hospitals and Health Care