Pathologists' Assistant

R0272855

Job Objective:

Works independently using the medical knowledge to perform human specimen examination for diagnosis and patient treatment and functions in support of and as an adjunct to the physicians in Pathology. Under general supervision of a pathologist, independently performs or assists in, dissection, evisceration, description, and histologic sampling of a full range of surgical specimens. Assists faculty in the supervision and training of entry level resident physicians and fellows in pathology and new Pathologists’ assistants. Interacts internally with staff pathologists and other technologists on a daily basis. External contacts occur frequently with staff physicians and referring facilities. Organizational skills are required to plan and coordinate workflow in order to meet patient care requirements and provide for satisfactory turnaround time of tests. Working knowledge of computers is required to report results and collect quality assurance data using the Anatomic Pathology information system, Dictation and Electronic Medical Record.

Job Description:

Education:

Required: Bachelor’s degree
Preferred: Graduate of NAACLS accredited Pathologist’s Assistant Training Program; Master’s degree or higher

Licensure/Certification:

Required: American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) board Pathologists' Assistant Certification within one (1) year of hire

Experience:

Preferred: Pathologists’ Assistant experience

Essential Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies, and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and report suspected violations.
• Responsible for preparation, gross description and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens including assuring appropriate specimen identification and accessioning,
• Obtains clinical history, including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc.
• Follows CAP Cancer Protocols, AJCC Cancer Staging Manual and AAPA Grossing Guidelines when processing complex cancer cases.
• Complies with specimen processing protocols in a uniform manner.
• Describes gross anatomic features, dissecting surgical specimens, and preparing tissues for histologic processing.
• Assures integrity of specimens by using knowledge of relationship between appropriate specimen and procedural requirements.
• Exercises judgment by preserving samples for testing.
• Verifies accuracy and editing of CPT codes for each specimen.
• Obtains biological specimens such as blood, tissue and toxicological material for studies such as flow cytometry, image analysis, immunohistochemistry, etc., and performs special procedures including specimen imaging / radiography and tumor triage; performs frozen sections and other intra-operative consultations, within established protocol and procedural parameters.
• Maintains quality control / assurance activities and records.
• Photographs all pertinent gross specimens and microscopic slides.
• Performs duties relating to the administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, reports and data.
• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots instrumentation for the safe and routine operation of equipment.
• Assures proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.
• Assists in the orientation of new personnel as directed by the laboratory directory.
• Resolves procedural problems with consultation. Reports appropriate results and problems to Pathologist(s).
• Performs and documents quality control and QA procedures as required by various accrediting agencies and hospital regulations.
• Performs administrative, teaching and other duties as assigned.

Essential Skils:

• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and other relevant software applications
• Team building and collaborative problem solving skills
• Knowledge of appropriate LIS, EMR and dictation systems
• Ability to learn complex tasks
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Mathematical and reasoning skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently to meet deadlines
• Problem Solving skills