Pathologist Assistant

The Pathologist Assistant reports to the Lead Pathologist Assistant and the attending pathologist. Under general supervision, this role prepares surgical and autopsy specimens for microscopic examination, including gross description and dissection, and assists with postmortem examinations.

Brown University Health employees are expected to model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence, which guide everyday interactions with patients, customers, and colleagues.

All employees are also expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors that define how we work together and achieve results:

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus and Collaboration

• Process surgical pathology specimens, including proper fixation, cutting, photographing, and sectioning of specimens, including frozen sections, in accordance with standard operating policies and procedures.
• Utilize the laboratory information system accurately and efficiently.
• Perform postmortem examinations under the supervision of a pathologist and assist medical students with autopsies.
• Work closely with residents and medical students, providing orientation and instruction.
• Maintain inventory and laboratory equipment, including completion of preventive maintenance tasks.
• Notify the chief resident, fellow, Director of Surgical Pathology, or Director of the resident's program in a timely manner when workload backlogs occur.
• Ensure a clean and safe work environment by maintaining adequate supplies and instruments and monitoring workstation cleanliness, including frozen section areas.
• Ensure all equipment is in good working order.
• Monitor hours and activities of grossing staff.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including accessioning, billing, and coding.

Education & Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Biology and successful completion of an accredited Pathologist Assistant program.
• Pathologist Assistant certification preferred.
• Completion of medical training or a related doctoral program may be substituted for Pathologist Assistant certification.

Knowledge & Skills

• Professional knowledge and high-level analytical ability to perform postmortem and tissue examinations, interpret findings, and determine information to be forwarded to the pathologist.
• Knowledge of anatomic pathology computer systems.
• Ability to conduct gross dissection procedures using surgical instruments.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills to effectively work with pathologists, train medical students and residents, and present and defend case findings at conferences.
• Strong written communication skills to prepare case summaries, interpretations, and laboratory reports.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills to provide patient care with consideration of aging processes, developmental stages, and cultural patterns throughout the care process.

Experience

• Three to six months of related experience to become familiar with procedures, techniques, and equipment used in assigned activities.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to assist with lifting and positioning bodies.
• Regular exposure to infectious diseases and odorous chemicals while performing autopsies and handling surgical specimens.
• Occupational hazards are minimized through adherence to established safety precautions.