Pathologist Assistant
Anatomical Pathology
Surrey, BC
In accordance with the Mission, Vision, Values and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Pathologists’ Assistant II reports to the Team Lead or designate and works without general supervision (WWGS) when performing a variety of duties required with the gross examination of surgical and biopsy pathology specimens and post-mortem examinations for medical cases under the direction of a pathologist.
What you’ll do
- Prepares gross examination and completes dissection and dictation of surgical specimens including data collection and specimen receipt processes according to established policies and procedures. Obtains clinical history, laboratory data, x-rays and scans when indicated.
- Prepares tissues for microscopic examination for intraoperative consultation, including orientation, cutting and staining.
- Performs post-mortem examinations for medical purposes that may include external examination; evisceration; describing gross anatomical features; dissection; recording of organ weights and preparing tissues for histological processing.
- Organizes clinical information and correct legal authorization for post mortem examination.
- Maintains necessary and accurate records of work done by using worksheets, unit sheets, quality control records and other report forms either manually or electronically using the Laboratory Information System (LIS) or other necessary computer systems or programs.
- Maintains equipment and work areas in clean and usable condition by performing regularly scheduled maintenance, calibration, quality control and troubleshooting of instrument problems. Documents and communicates all actions appropriately.
- Accumulates, prepares, organizes, and files designated material such as specimens, photographs, and documentation for continuing education and research programs.
- Communicates needs for new or updated equipment to supervisor and assists with equipment evaluation and selection.
- Participates in maintaining adequate inventory of supplies and reagents including preparation of reagents.
- Demonstrates to staff and students the required procedures performed in a section or sections of the laboratory. Assists with orientation of staff to section as required.
- Participates in safety programs at the site by following safety procedures and using safety equipment.
- Participates in Quality Management or Quality Assurance programs by providing information and input to Team Lead, Technical Practice Lead, Pathologist or Medical Director.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
What you bring
Qualifications
- Certification or eligible for certification with Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists' Assistants (CCCPA) certification.
- Graduation from an approved Master’s Pathologist Assistant Program, two (2) years' recent surgical and autopsy pathology experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Anatomical Pathology contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.
Core Competencies
- Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
- Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
Skills & Knowledge
- Integrates best practice and current research evidence to support professional practice decisions and actions.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, the public, medical staff and the members of the interdisciplinary team using, oral written and computer communication means.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively resolve conflict.
- Demonstrated ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) to problem-solve and make decisions effectively.
- Applies the problem solving process demonstrating critical thinking and decision-making skills using a systems approach.
- Demonstrated ability to organize work, set objectives and establish priorities.
- Manages time and resources, implements activities to promote cooperation among the interdisciplinary team, supervises responsibilities of others, and collaborates across disciplines.
- Promotes staff morale, engagement, and risk-taking.
- Demonstrates creative planning for change and innovations, implementation of LM Labs policies or other protocols, and ongoing professional development of self and others.
- Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and a commitment to excellence in the provision of client care.
- Demonstrated experience and skills with Laboratory information systems.
- Demonstrated data analysis skills including appropriate data analysis and reporting tools.
- Demonstrated ability in the use of e-mail and word processing.
- Ability to operate other related equipment as required in the specific practice area.
- Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
- Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
- Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.
What we bring
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Wage: $42.27 - $52.81 / Hour
Location: 13750 96 Ave, Surrey, BC V3V 1Z2
Closing Date: May 14, 2025
Hours of Work: Various
Requisition # 182529E
** Please note: Support for nomination with the BC Provincial Nominee Program is not a guarantee, entitlement or an employee benefit after receiving a full time job offer with PHSA**