Pathologist Job Description

Job Descriptions > Healthcare and Medical > Pathologist

This Pathologist job description template includes the list of most important Pathologist duties and responsibilities. It can be modified to fit the specific Pathologist profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Common questions people ask include: What is the job description of a Pathologist? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Pathologist? What does a Pathologist do?

Job Description of a Pathologist

Pathologists are healthcare professionals who diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Pathologists also study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. Pathologists may also perform autopsies.

Pathologist Duties and Responsibilities

Pathologist job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

• Analyze and interpret results from tests such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).
• Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
• Develop or adopt new tests or instruments to improve diagnosis of diseases.
• Educate physicians, students, and other personnel in medical laboratory professions such as medical technology, cytotechnology, and histotechnology.
• Conduct research and present scientific findings.
• Perform autopsies to determine causes of deaths.
• Review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.
• Manage medical laboratories.
• Conduct genetic analyses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or chromosomes to diagnose small biopsies and cell samples.
• Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
• Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
• Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, and molecular biology.
• Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
• Diagnose infections, such as Hepatitis B and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), by conducting tests to detect the antibodies that patients’ immune systems make to fight such infections.
• Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.

Pathologist Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Pathologist job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree program that includes the prerequisite science, math, and English coursework needed for medical school admission
• A Doctor of Medicine degree
•  A medical license
• x years’ internship and residency training, specializing in pathology.
• Valid and active medical license in the state you wish to practice.
• Experience using lab testing equipment, such as microscopes and flow cytometers.
• Working knowledge of medical data management software, including MEDITECH Anatomical Pathology, PATHLOGIX, and ASPYRA CyberLAB.
• Exceptional analytical and research skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Pathologist starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Pathologist job description sample to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs. Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Pathologist may also reference it in preparation for the interview.