How to Be Pathologist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 22, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Pathology is the study of the causes and effects of diseases and can be divided into two categories: anatomical and clinical. Anatomical pathology investigates the effects of disease on the bodys organs, tissues, and cells, while clinical pathology looks at the effects on the whole body. Pathologists use a variety of methods to diagnose diseases, including physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging, biopsies, and tissue cultures.

The results of these tests help pathologists understand how a disease works and how best to treat it. Pathology is an essential field in medicine, as it helps medical professionals identify, diagnose, and treat diseases. Understanding the cause and effect of diseases helps medical professionals develop treatments and prevent further disease spread.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The first step to becoming a pathologist is to earn a bachelors degree in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. Most pathologists have completed at least four years of undergraduate education.
Complete Medical School. After earning a bachelors degree, aspiring pathologists must attend and complete medical school. This involves four years of studying medicine, including courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology.
Complete a Residency Program. Upon completion of medical school, aspiring pathologists must complete a residency program in the field of pathology. This typically lasts four years and involves on-the-job training under the supervision of an experienced pathologist.
Obtain Licensure. Pathologists must be licensed in order to practice in the United States. This involves passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination.
Pursue Certification. After completing the licensure requirements, pathologists may choose to pursue certification from the American Board of Pathology. This requires passing a written exam and successfully completing an oral exam.
Consider Specializing. Pathologists may choose to specialize in a particular area of pathology, such as forensic pathology, cytopathology, or hematopathology. Specializing requires additional education and training.

In order to stay ahead and competent as a Pathologist, staying up to date with the latest advances in the field is essential. This involves reading scientific articles and journals on the subject, attending educational seminars and conferences, and participating in continuing medical education courses. utilizing technology such as telemedicine and electronic medical record systems can help streamline diagnostics and increase efficiency.

Developing strong communication skills, understanding the importance of documentation, and working well with teams of other healthcare professionals are also important components of success in this profession. By staying abreast of the field, utilizing technology and building strong relationships, Pathologists can ensure they remain competent and competitive in their field.

You may want to check Perinatologist, Oncologist, and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon for alternative.

Job Description

Analyze tissue samples to diagnose diseases and medical conditions.
Develop treatment plans based on analysis of patient's medical history and the results of laboratory tests and examinations.
Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as needed.
Prepare detailed reports and present findings to physicians, other healthcare professionals, and patients.
Perform autopsies to determine cause of death.
Train and supervise pathology assistants and laboratory technicians.
Participate in research projects to improve diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Consult with other medical professionals to coordinate patient care.
Advise medical students, residents, and fellows on pathology-related topics.
Stay up to date on advances in pathology and laboratory medicine.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Understanding of laboratory techniques and methods
Expertise in laboratory testing and diagnosis
Ability to interpret results and communicate findings
Proficiency in using laboratory equipment
Knowledge of medical terminology
Strong analytical skills
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently
Good time management skills
Excellent communication skills
Ability to collaborate with other healthcare professionals

Pathologists play an essential role in the healthcare industry by diagnosing illnesses, determining the cause of death, and helping to develop treatments for diseases. Their work requires a variety of skills, but the most important skill for a pathologist to have is critical thinking. Critical thinking involves analyzing data, making observations, and drawing conclusions from them.

Pathologists must be able to assess the information they receive from lab tests, medical histories, and physical exams to formulate an accurate diagnosis. They must also be able to spot any abnormalities or inconsistencies that may be indicative of a medical condition. Furthermore, their critical thinking skills enable them to develop treatment plans based on their findings and to accurately measure the efficacy of those treatments.

Finally, pathologists must also have good communication skills in order to effectively explain their diagnoses and treatment plans to other healthcare professionals and patients.

Radiation Oncologist, Medical Geneticist, and Orthopedic Surgeon are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What inspired you to pursue a career in pathology?
How have you kept your medical knowledge and skills up-to-date?
Describe a particularly challenging pathology case you solved.
What techniques do you use when evaluating patient samples?
How comfortable are you with using technology such as digital pathology systems?
How would you handle an ethical dilemma in your practice?
What experience do you have in performing autopsies?
How do you ensure accuracy when interpreting laboratory results?
What challenges have you faced while working as a pathologist?
What strategies do you use to maintain strong communication with patients and their families?

Common Tools in Industry

Tissue processor. A machine used to rapidly process tissue samples for histological examination. (eg: Leica ASP300S Tissue Processor)
Microtome. An instrument used to slice very thin sections of tissue samples for examination under a microscope. (eg: Leica RM2255 Microtome)
Staining Kit. A kit containing necessary chemical dyes and reagents for the staining of tissue slides. (eg: Harris Hematoxylin Staining Kit)
Microscope. An instrument used to magnify objects for observation or analysis. (eg: Nikon Eclipse Ci-L Microscope)
Autopsy Table. A specialized table used for performing autopsies. (eg: Shor-Line Stainless Steel Autopsy Table)
Imaging Software. Software used to capture, store, and analyze digital images of tissue specimens. (eg: Aperio ImageScope Software)
PCR Machine. A device used to amplify specific DNA sequences in a sample. (eg: Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR System)
Frozen Section Machine. A device used to rapidly freeze and section tissues for immediate histopathological evaluation. (eg: Thermo Scientific Shandon Cryostat)
Immunohistochemistry System. A system used to detect specific antigens in tissue sections using antibodies conjugated with fluorescent dyes. (eg: Ventana Benchmark XT Immunohistochemistry System)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
American Association of Clinical Pathologists (AACP)
Association of Pathology Chairs (APC)
United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP)
American Board of Pathology (ABP)
International Academy of Pathology (IAP)
Pathology Education Consortium (PEC)
American College of Mohs Surgery (ACMS)
Association for Pathology Informatics (API)

We also have Pediatrician, Anesthetist Assistant, and Surgeon jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pathology. The branch of medicine that studies the causes and effects of diseases.
Cytology. The study of cells and their structure, function, and pathology.
Histology. The microscopic study of the structure and function of tissue.
Autopsy. A postmortem medical examination to determine the cause of death.
Cytogenetics. The study of the structure, function, and inheritance of genetic material in cells.
Molecular Pathology. The study of the molecular basis of disease and its diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Immunology. The study of the bodys immune system, its components, and its role in defending the body against disease.
Clinical Pathology. The diagnosis and treatment of disease based on laboratory tests performed on blood, urine, and other body fluids.
Hematology. The study of the formation, function, and diseases of blood cells.
Microbiology. The study of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Pathologist?

A Pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining cells and tissues under a microscope.

What type of education is required to become a Pathologist?

To become a Pathologist, a person must complete four years of medical school and an additional three to four years of specialized training in pathology.