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Pathologists' Assistant

Lahey Health • Cambridge, MA, United States • $200k - $250k / year • 2h ago

Job Type: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Work Shift: Day (United States of America)

FLSA Status: Exempt

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

The Pathologists’ Assistant (PA), under the clinical supervision of the pathologists and management of the Anatomic Pathology Manager and Laboratory Director, examines, describes, and dissects all gross surgical specimens and appropriate triages tissue for special studies. Coordinates all Quality Assurance & Control activities in the department, prepares statistical reports, and maintains logs, forms, and procedure manuals.

Job Description:

Primary Responsibilities

Processes all surgical specimens in such a way that the pathologist can make a correct diagnosis. These technical duties include: Monitors the intake of surgical specimens from the O.R.s and all ambulatory areas of the hospital, Performs gross description and dissection (complete range of surgical pathology specimens Levels 1-5), submits appropriate diagnostic sections, and reviews cases at sign-out with a pathologist when necessary; provides instruction on gross anatomy, proper specimen orientation, tissue selection, assisting with frozen sections (staining, cutting, and follow-up with surgeons), Taking appropriate sections for Histology, inking necessary margins, and assuring proper fixation of all tissues, Communicates effectively with histotechnologists, as necessary, to ensure adequate embedding and/or sectioning of tissue. Able to troubleshoot cassette errors (duplicate blocks, missing blocks, etc.), Communication with providers to resolve technical issues related to specimens, Maintenance of Frozen Section Room, including supplies, cryostat decontamination, and temperature charts.
Other daily duties include: Cleaning of workbench, Daily recording of a number of blocks and reporting to the manager, Load and activate a program of tissue processors, Tracking and assisting with inventory, Monitoring and producing the use of reagents, as well as formalin and decalcification.
Appropriately triages tissue for different types of fixation and special studies, including Microarray Analysis, Cytogenetics, Flow Cytometry, ERA/PRA, Karyotyping, Immunofluorescence & Electron Microscopy, etc. that may be included for send-out testing.
Develops, updates, and maintains procedure, safety, and infection control manuals, logbooks, and charts.
Ensures that all appropriate procedures are followed to keep the Surgical Pathology Department clean, organized, and compliant with all safety regulations set by MAH, CLIA, CAP, TJC, and other local, state, and federal agencies.
Troubleshoot QA/QI problems that arise dealing with mislabeling of specimens, specimens missing in processing, etc., working with senior staff and other departmental personnel as necessary, as well as other clinical staff in the hospital.
Photographs all macroscopic specimens for conferences and teaching purposes and maintains digital files, ensuring a high standard of specimen photography.
Develop and perform Quality Assurance monitors to ensure continued safe practices and superior patient care Researching and submitting requested information to the Quality Assurance Department, AP Manager, Medical Director, and Laboratory Director.
Contributes to PA staff competency assessments.
Weekly review of the Anatomic Pathology case list to ensure the flow of all ordered surgical cases are continuous and no overdue cases have been at a specific status for an inappropriate time.
Able to perform all technical staff duties as needed, including accessioning, the printing of cassettes, specimen storage, disposal, and supply ordering.
Professionally conducts oneself at all times (apparel, telephone etiquette, staff/peer interactions, etc.).
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned by the AP Manager, Medical Director, or Laboratory Director.
Serves as a resource for the education/training of others in the Surgical Pathology section; this includes:
Clinical training of pathologists’ assistant students, residents and fellows in pathology and grossing, and any other personnel who will be working in the pathology lab.
Grossing i.e. Small biopsies by Histologists and/or per diem Pathologists’ Assistants.
Acts as system liaison for the surgical pathology computer system on an ongoing basis by troubleshooting, requesting reports, and training staff on new software applications.

Required Qualifications

Extensive knowledge of the basic sciences, and superior verbal and written communication skills normally acquired through completion of a Pathologist's Assistant Training Program, which includes a formal didactic program as well as a clinical internship, plus three years of related experience.
Extensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and disease states. Extensive comprehension of medical terminology. High level of understanding of surgical and autopsy techniques. Excellent dissection skills, requiring long periods of intense concentration and great attention to detail. Photography skills, a good working knowledge of histology procedures, and the ability to summarize clinical data. Ability to interact with residents, attending physicians, dieners, and a variety of laboratory personnel.
Ability to stand long periods at the cutting bench and in the autopsy room. Ability to operate the Stryker saw.