Pathologists' Assistant Jobs

Acting quite independently under the supervision of the Anatomic Pathology Operations Manager, the Pathologists’ Assistant performs a wide variety of tasks in processing of the full range of human surgical pathology specimens. This includes gross description and dissection, submitting appropriate diagnostic sections, and when necessary, review of the case at sign-out with a pathologist. Provides instruction on gross anatomy, appropriate specimen orientation, tissue selection, cryotomy, and staining for stat intraoperative diagnosis by the pathologist.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates astute clinical judgment when handling patient material and reports.
• Monitors the intake of surgical specimens from the O.R.s and ensures specimens are appropriately assigned to staff.
• Photograph and x-ray specimens as needed for diagnostic study, research and clinical studies.
• Assists the Manager in assuring the Grossing Room is prepared for inspections by The Joint Commission, CAP or other regulatory agencies.
• Coordinates PA and technical staff schedules to ensure adequate weekday coverage in both the grossing room and cytology prep room.
• Enter data of patient medical record information into computer, assign surgical pathology accession numbers, edit and confirm patient charge information, using laboratory information system.
• Load and activate program of tissue processors, as needed.
• Assist in preparation of case materials or photographic material for research, conferences or special studies.
• Maintains diagnostic viability of specimens. Ensures correct patient labeling of all materials received. Ensures that requests for service by clinicians meets regulatory standards set by JC, CAP, and other agencies.
• Acts an on-site resource for supply and/ or service issues.
• Contributes to PA staff competency assessments.
• Provides formal instruction for s, Grossing Technicians and/or residents in surgical pathology technique; orients and trains in Pathology Gross Room procedures.
• Organization of Grossing Room workflow and redirects focus of, residents, grossing technicians and other technical staff as needed.
• Assist in proper acquisition of tissue from specimens for departmental or inter-departmental purposes such as clinical studies, teaching, and research.
• Assists in frozen section examination; cuts and stains tissue to be examined by the pathologists.
• Performs gross description and dissection (full 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, appropriate specimen orientation, tissue selection, cryotomy, and staining for stat intraoperative diagnosis by the pathologist.
• 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.
• Appropriately triages tissue for different types of fixation or special studies.
• Assist in keeping work area clean, organized, and in compliance with all safety regulations.

Performs additional duties or other technical and ad hoc administrative tasks in laboratory as assigned.

Skills/ Required Responsibilities:

• Ability to train and develop staff.
• Staff adheres to all I C.A.R.E. Standards
• Familiarity with basic computer programs for data entry, searching for clinical information, case identification and retrieval.
• Must possess excellent dissection technical skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and discerning judgment; interacts frequently with a range of interdepartmental hospital staff
• Ability to function independently and possesses strong organizational skills
• Ability to perform frozen sections.
• Extensive knowledge of the basic sciences, especially anatomy.
• Extensive comprehension of medical terminology; ability to summarize complex clinical data.
• Good working knowledge of histologic procedures.

Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, an affiliate of Mass General Brigham, is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve. At Mass General Brigham, we believe in equal access to quality care, employment and advancement opportunities encompassing the full spectrum of human diversity: race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other forms of human presence and expression that make us better able to provide innovative and cutting-edge healthcare and research.

Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital is a 171- bed non-profit, community teaching hospital located in Jamaica Plain directly across the street from the Arnold Arboretum. Founded in 1900, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital offers comprehensive care in a wide variety of specialties. Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital is a designated Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a recognition that fewer than nine percent of all US hospitals receive.

At Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital, we believe that everyone should have the chance to live a healthy life. From creating breakthroughs that have paved the way for treatments around the globe to training the next generation of providers, our patients, and those we may never meet, are at the center of everything we do. If you’re looking for more than a career, join Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital. Our patients call it better care. Our employees call it home.