Job Summary:
The Sr. Pathologists Assistant provides anatomic pathology services under the control and supervision of a pathologist by assisting in the preparation and performance of human surgical specimen dissection and human postmortem examinations.
The Sr. Pathologists Assistant, by virtue of his/her experience and competency in the role, provides oversight of gross room, including special techniques and special studies, and may function as a mentor to less experienced Pathologists Assistants and pathology technician assistants (PTAs).
Essential Responsibilities:
- Obtains biological specimens for analysis; and, upon direction of the pathologist performs special procedures such as coronary artery perfusion studies, tumor triage, and faxitron (x-ray).
- Under the supervision of a pathologist, prepares human surgical specimens for gross description and dissection, including but not limited to: describes gross anatomic features, dissects surgical specimens and prepares tissue for histological examination. Assures appropriate specimen accessioning, obtains the clinical history and photographs all pertinent specimens and microscopic slides as directed by a pathologist(s). Obtains the patient medical chart and other pertinent data for review with the attending pathologist.
- Under the direction of a pathologist, performs postmortem examinations which may include: external examinations, in situ organ inspections, evisceration, dissection and dictation or recording of data such as organ weights, presence of body fluids and gross anatomic findings. Selects and prepares gross tissue section for frozen section analysis. Photographs body, organs, and other pertinent specimens. Gathers and organizes clinical information and data for completion of the autopsy report. Ascertains proper legal authorization for autopsy as directed by a pathologist(s).
- Coordinates autopsy paperwork with medical center leadership, house supervisor, and Next of Kin.
- Coordinates with multiple stakeholders including physicians, managers, Regional staff and vendors.
- May perform duties relating to the administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, reports/data including filing reports, protocols, photographic and microscopic slides and assures completion of coding.
- Participates in preparing cases for tumor board and participates in Grand Rounds as necessary.
- Knowledgeable in Pathology information system.
- Follow-up on courier pick-ups, in-depth troubleshooting.
- Assists in Survey readiness for College of American Pathologists and Joint Commission inspections.
- Provides oversight of gross room, including special techniques and special studies, and may function as a mentor to less experienced Pathologists Assistants.
- Accountable for oversight/supervision/training of gross room staff (PTAs), including special techniques and special studies. Knows all tasks assigned to PTAs well enough to give guidance, train, and perform as necessary.
- Assists or manages schedule creation (core staffing).
- Confers with the pathologists to identify the special techniques and procedures that will be necessary (e.g., histochemical, immunofluorescence, toxicological, viral, or electron microscopic studies, cultures, smears, etc.) and notifies all personnel involved.
- Prepares tissue samples, slides, blocks, and appropriate requisitions for specialized testing to outside facilities.
- Serves as an operational leader to the pathology department.
- May collaborate with the pathologists, managers, and others on performance improvement activities and change initiatives.
- Communicates effectively both within and outside the department.
- Engage pro-actively in process improvement projects including coordinating with different medical subspecialties.
- Responsible for assuring proper maintenance of equipment, provides adequate supplies, and maintains cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.
- Assists in the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology conferences.
- Attends Certified Pathologists Assistant peer group meetings and implements region-wide changes.
Basic Qualifications:
Experience
- Minimum three (3) years of prior Certified Pathologists Assistant experience in the last five (5) years required.
Education
- Masters degree in biological sciences, allied health sciences or related field required, OR Bachelors degree with two (2) years of experience as a Certified Pathologists Assistant.
License, Certification, Registration
- Pathologist's Assistant Certificate from American Society for Clinical Pathologists
Additional Requirements:
- Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated analytic and diagnostic reasoning skills.
- Knowledge of PC applications required.
- Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience in formal process improvement projects.
- Previous experience leading, training, or mentoring a team, OR acting in a supervisory capacity preferred.
- Maintains continuous membership with the American Association of Pathologists Assistants (AAPA) or American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).
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