Certified Pathologist Assistant

MedStar Health
United States, D.C., Washington
Jan 04, 2025
Performs gross pathology examinations and dissections of surgical and autopsy specimens. Independently evaluates frozen section tissue obtained at surgery. Evaluates tissue and determines appropriate sections needed for diagnosis. Assists with invasive radiological procedures and assesses cytologic tissue. Performs and stains frozen section preparation for diagnosis and assesses adequacy of renal biopsy. Assists in the training of pathology residents in surgical pathology. Education Bachelor's degree required or Equivalent/comparable educational credentials (i.e., M.D. D.O.) required Experience 1-2 years of job related experience required 1-2 years of formal training in a histopathology laboratory required Licenses and Certifications ASCP - Pathologists' Assistant - ASCP-PA required Assures appropriate specimen accessioning. Obtains clinical history, including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc. 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. Obtains biological specimens for studies such as flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and performs special procedures including Faxitron imaging, 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. Assists with invasive procedures in Radiology such as radiologist-assisted fine needle aspirations and assesses cytologic tissue obtained for adequacy of tissue for diagnosis. Assesses adequacy of renal biopsy for the presence of glomeruli during core biopsy procedures at patient bedside. And performs Lymphoma workups. Ascertains proper legal authorization for autopsy. Retrieves the patient's medical chart and other pertinent data for review with the attending pathologist(s). 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 postmortem examinations, which may include: external examination; in situ organ inspection; evisceration; dissection and dictation or recording of data such as organ weights, presence of body fluids etc., and gross anatomic findings. Obtains specimens for special procedures. Prepares the body for release (including indicating the presence of biohazards such as contagious disease, radiation implants, etc.), and releases the body to the appropriate mortuary or funeral home representative. Performs gross pathology examination, dissection, and histologic processing of specimens obtained from Mohs micrographic surgeries and from other dermatologic procedures, as appropriate to the position. Assists laboratory leadership with maintaining compliance with regulatory agencies. 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. Assists with the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology conferences. Instructs residents, trainees, and new employees on dissection procedures as directed.