• Gross Examination and Specimen Dissection
  • Dissects and grossly describes tissue specimens using appropriate anatomical terminology.
  • Dictates gross findings and refers appropriate tissue sections for microscopic review by the pathologist.
  • Determines appropriate fixatives for specimen preservation.
  • Submits tissue for special histologic procedures, stains, and ancillary testing when indicated.
  (50%)

• Frozen Section and Intraoperative Consultations
  • Responsible for workflow and organization of the frozen section area.
  • Performs specialized such as frozen sections and decalcification.
  • Provides timely assistance to the pathologists during interoperative consultations.
  (10%)

• Specimen Handling and Documentation
  • Triages specimens received from surgery to ensure accurate handling and prioritization.
  • Labels, stores, and retains surgical specimens in accordance with institutional policy.
  • Photographs specimens for documentation and educational use, as appropriate.
  (10%)

• Autopsy and Decedent Affairs
  • Provides support for the Office of Decedent Affairs, including coordination with next of kin and funeral directors.
  • Obtains autopsy consent, performs post-mortem evisceration and prosection, and assists in autopsy documentation.
  (10%)

• Quality Control and Troubleshooting
  • Provides troubleshooting support for technical issues with instrumentation and specimen processing.
  • Participates in quality assurance activities, including QC reviews, proficiency testing, environmental controls, and preventative maintenance.
  (5%)

• Education and Training
  • Assists in training and competency assessment of new staff, residents, and students.
  • Participates in teaching activities, including gross anatomy and pathology instruction.
  • Engages in continuing education and cross-training as new technology and testing methods are implemented.
  (10%)

• Regulatory Compliance and Laboratory Operations
  • Assists with compliance related to CAP, CLIA, OSHA, Joint Commission, and other regulatory bodies.
  • Participates in policy and procedure development, department meetings, safety initiatives, and fosters a collegial and respectful work environment.
  (5%)

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree Successful completion of a National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLs) accredited Pathologist’ Assistant training program, required. Required

Work Experience:

• 1-3 years Professional experience at an accredited hospital, preferred.

Licenses:

• PAASCP-Pathologists' Assistant - ASCP - American Society for Clinical Pathology Required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of human anatomy, surgical, grossing and prosecting techniques.

• Knowledge of cancer staging.

• Knowledge of surgical pathology coding.

• Compliance of safety and infection control requirements, including the use of all medical and surgical instruments and equipment.

• Demonstrates safe use of the grossing instruments, blades, saws, and cryostat.

• Ability to work independently.

• Ability to update and use Voice Recognition templates.

• Familiar with regulatory compliance in Quality Control (QC) and competency requirements.

• Ability to mentor technical staff to train, educates for decision making, and ensure competency.

• Good communication and customer relation skills to ensure patient safety and quality processes in the laboratory.

• Ability to perpetuate teamwork.

• Ability to organize and prioritize work within the department.

• Ability to troubleshoot testing, equipment, and quality issues relative to testing in the area of oversight.

• Ability to work with the public in a time of emotional trauma.

• Excellent organizational skills and detail oriented work relative to completing decedent paperwork, in identifying, accessioning, handling specimens for processing and testing.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.

• Ability to troubleshoot testing, equipment, and quality issues.