Job Description

The Senior Pathologist Assistant works directly with a pathologist in the areas of organ/specimen accessioning, description, dissection, evisceration, and submitting histologic/frozen specimen samples from a wide range of surgical specimens. Assists in developing and implementing a formal orientation and training program for residents, pathologists' assistants, and pathology specialists in surgical pathology and frozen section techniques. Additionally, ensures the acquisition of necessary tissues for research protocols in compliance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines without compromising patient diagnoses. Assist in the decision-making regarding the handling, distribution, and workflow of gross room/frozen section specimens and supply management logistics. This role functions independently as a practitioner, educator, and role model for fellows, residents, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Assists with creating and updating policies and procedures on the SP functions of the laboratory which includes gross examination and frozen section areas.
• Assists with and ensures SP laboratory quality assurance (QA), regulatory compliance, and inspection readiness by making certain required documentation for specimens (including frozen sectioning and research), equipment/instrumentation maintenance, reagent quality control (QC), temperatures, research and occupational safety are complete and accurate in accordance with (IAW) CAP, TJC, OSHA, and state regulatory guidelines.
• Calibrates and conducts routine maintenance and troubleshoots laboratory & gross room instrumentation.
• Ensures and maintains a high standard of specimen identification integrity, gross description, dictation, dissection, and photography.
• Assist with training entry level fellows, resident physicians and anatomic pathology laboratory personnel on SP methodology and procedures (including frozen sections and other intra-operative consultations) under the guidance of medical professional staff, and IAW established protocol parameters.
• Assist with teaching fellows, residents, and laboratory personnel on, and performs technical components of specimen accessioning, description, dissection, evisceration, and submission of histologic sampling of a full range of anatomical specimens, IAW established protocol and procedural parameters.
• Assists staff by assuring consistent and proper acquisition, management, and tracking of tissues from specimens for departmental or inter-departmental purposes such as clinical studies, teaching, and research. purposes IAW established protocols.
• Participate in interdepartmental communication/meetings with the operative and perioperative services to troubleshoot and improve specimen handling, submission, and acceptance challenges.
• Participates in professional development activities.
• Primary decision making of gross room specimen handling, distribution & workflow, logistics of supply management, and personnel oversight.
• Performs projects and other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

 EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited Pathologist Assistant or related biology program.

EXPERIENCE:

• Four (4) years of experience as a pathologists’ assistant.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

• Pathologists’ Assistant, PA (ASCP) required