JOB SUMMARY: Provides services in anatomic pathology under direction of a qualified pathologist.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successful completion of a NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant program (ASCP). Master's degree preferred.

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, and/or REGISTRATION: ASCP Pathology Assistant (ASCP) certification or must obtain within one year of hire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs gross processing of operating room and clinic specimens, including photography and preparation of related surgical pathology reports.
• Teaches junior (first and second year) residents proper grossing techniques, as described in the Pathology Department's standard gross pathology protocols. Assists in process as needed to ensure timely completion.
• Implements all operating room tissue-based research protocols, including procurement of samples, processing of samples, and notification of investigators regarding sample readiness. Ensures that written research protocols are available and readily displayed in the operating room pathology laboratory.
• Reviews resident rotation schedules with the chief and/or senior residents.
• Answers questions from attending pathologists regarding the dictation and orientation of gross surgical specimens.
• Provides data for the monthly Surgical Pathology Quality Assurance reports.
• Maintains and updates the Department's gross specimen handbook.
• Performs administrative maintenance of surgical protocols, reports and data, including the filing of reports, protocols, photographic and microscopic slides, assuring the completion of specimen coding and billing.
• Assures proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.
• Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS: Excellent interpersonal skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge and experience with personal computers including word processing, databases, spreadsheets, and statistics.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Exposure to infection from disease-bearing specimens or patients. Exposure to risk of blood borne/airborne disease. Possible exposure to odorous chemicals and specimens Moderate noise environment. Subject to injury from sharps. Subject to many interruptions and stressful situations. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations. Required to wear protective equipment (gloves, gowns/lab coats, eye protection, and face protection).