Learn About Being a Pathologist

Pathologists are a vital part of the medical community. They diagnose and treat diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and more. And they do it with precision and accuracy. Pathologists use a variety of tools and techniques to diagnose diseases, including x-rays and MRI scans. They also use tests to measure how well the disease is spreading and to determine the cause of the disease. Pathologists also have a role in treating patients after their diagnosis. They help to plan treatments and monitor patient’s health.

What is pathologist?

Pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Pathologists use a variety of techniques to exam the body and examine the organs and tissues to determine the cause of illness.

Pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of diseases.Pathologists work in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories to diagnose and treat diseases. They also work to research new diseases and treatments. Pathologists are important for a variety of reasons. They can help to save lives by diagnosing and treating diseases before they become deadly. They can also help to find new ways to treat diseases so that they can be managed better. Pathologists can also help to answer questions about disease and the environment.

What does a pathologist do?

Pathologists are experts in diagnosing and managing diseases. They use a variety of medical tools to do this, including instruments called microscopes and pathology slides. Pathologists also study the causes of diseases, in order to find ways to prevent them from happening and to treat them.

A pathologist is a medical doctor with a dedication to studying the causes, indicators, cures and effects of various diseases. Some of the duties pathologists typically have include:

• Studying bodily fluids and tissues to determine the cause of a patient’s ailments

• Working with imaging specialists to create analysis algorithms based on laboratory samples

• Conducting tissue biopsies to determine whether a tissue sample is benign or cancerous

• Collating data from multiple sources into single clinical studies

• Performing autopsies to gather information about a disease’s genetic progression and growth

• Conducting analyses of the clinical data available to reach more definitive conclusions

• Analyzing genetic material and testing for potentially effective treatments for conditions based on genetic information

• Supervising physical examinations on a patient to offer recommendations on actions a patient can take to maintain health and cure illnesses

Average salary

Pathologists generally receive a higher than average salary. Their exact salary can vary widely depending on regional factors, their certifications and their chosen work environment.

• Common salary in the U.S.: $120,643 per year

• Some salaries range from $18,000 to $318,000 per year.

Pathologist requirements

Becoming a pathologist takes years of education and training. Before they can practice, pathologists in the U.S. are required to obtain a medical degree, undergo a residency period and earn a state-issued pathology license.

Education

Many pathologists choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree in disciplines such as pre-med, chemistry or another related field. These courses teach pathologists the fundamentals of working in a laboratory, as well as the basic academic knowledge they will need during medical school. After completing their undergraduate degree, pathologists must pass the Medical College Admission Test and earn a medical degree. A medical degree trains the pathologist in general medical knowledge and prepares them for their residency.

Training

After graduating from medical school, pathologists must complete a supervised four-year residency at a hospital or clinic to specialize in clinical pathology. These residencies train a resident pathologist through the practical application of lessons in an active clinical laboratory and with real patients. All medical residents work under the supervision of a lead doctor to master the process they will use in treating patients and conducting pathological research.

Certifications

Pathologists have two primary certifications they must acquire to be eligible to work within their industry:

State pathology licensure

Clinical pathologists must be licensed in their state. Every state has a unique process for becoming licensed, though they typically require a completed pathology residency period and examinations to validate a doctor’s knowledge of local laws and procedures.

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American Board of Pathology certification

The ABPATH is a nationally recognized pathology certification that is a requirement for almost every clinical pathologist in the U.S. The ABPATH requires certified pathologists to routinely complete certification renewal programs. Routine certification renewal ensures continued learning for a pathologist and demonstrates an academic devotion to the field of pathology.

Skills

An effective pathologist will need strong social skills. Some of the most important skills for a pathologist to master include:

• Organizational skills. Pathologists are tasked with keeping their chemical analysis laboratories in order and keeping all ongoing projects and analyses running properly. They must also frequently meet with patients during their day.

• Clinical and technological knowledge. Pathologists must maintain a vast and comprehensive understanding of the newest research regarding pathology and medical diagnostics. A pathologist must possess in-depth knowledge of current clinical theories and technologies used to test for diseases and potential treatments.

• Communication skills. Pathologists must be able to properly communicate their analysis of patient’s conditions in a way that avoids misleading patients and invoking panic.

• Data analysis skills. A pathologist’s primary responsibility is to analyze large sets of genetic and biochemical diagnostic data to discern a patient’s health conditions. A pathologist needs to have sharp data analysis tools to make full use of the data they gather from their diagnostic tests.

• Problem-solving skills. Pathologists must be capable problem solvers to understand which sets of a patient’s data are relevant to their current health condition.

Pathologist work environment

Most clinical pathologists work in the clinical laboratories of general hospitals and clinics, though some do work in university research clinics. Pathologists often work full-time hours. Due to the nature of their industry, facilities that run 24-hour laboratories will have pathologists on staff overnight and on weekends.

How to become a pathologist

Follow these general steps to become a pathologist:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree.

Earning a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Medicine, Chemistry, Biology or another related field will provide the fundamental knowledge needed to earn a medical degree. Many medical students choose to take Medical College Admissions Test preparation courses as a part of their undergraduate degree.

2. Pass the MCAT.

The MCAT is an internationally recognized examination required for all students in the U.S. seeking admission to medical degree programs. Studying for the MCAT and taking practice examinations will help ensure you’re prepared for the actual exam.

3. Earn a medical degree.

After passing the MCAT, you’ll be required to complete a four-year medical degree program to earn an MD. Your medical education will provide you with more practical and direct experience working within the laboratory setting and learning the fundamentals of human anatomy and chemistry.

4. Complete a pathology residency.

After graduating from medical school, you’ll need to undergo a four-year residency in the field of clinical pathology. You will complete this residency at a hospital or clinic to become eligible for your pathology license. Your residency will train you in the daily routine of the position and provide you with experience working in the clinical laboratory and treating patients under the supervision of a leading pathologist. Your residency will also teach you the laws and regulations in your state relevant to the pathological field to help prepare you for your licensing exam.

5. Obtain a pathology license and become board certified.

Upon completion of your four-year residency period, you must acquire a state-issued license and a board certification to practice pathology in your state. Each state has its own licensing requirements, but they tend to involve an examination of your knowledge in the field of clinical pathology as well as your state’s medical laws and regulations. ABPATH board certification has a similar examination process and requires pathologists to keep their certification up to date. Once you’ve earned your state pathology license and your ABPATH certification, you’ll be prepared to start the search for a clinical pathologist position.

Pathologist job description example

Omaha General Hospital is looking for a pathologist to join our clinical laboratory staff. The optimal candidate will have strong organizational and problem-solving skills and is driven to help others. The pathologist will work within the hospital’s clinical laboratory and run analyses and diagnostics on patients to discover the causes and treatments of various diseases.

The pathologist will be required to run biopsies, autopsies, blood tests, genomic tests and other biochemical diagnostics to build a comprehensive patient profile. A medical degree with a credited residency in pathology is required. All applicants must be licensed to practice clinical pathology in the state of Nebraska and hold a valid ABPATH certification.