Pathologists' Assistant - Full Time

Brigham & Women's Faulkner Hospital; Pelham; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Pathologists' Assistant to oversee surgical pathology specimen processing and collaborate with pathologists. This role involves managing the Grossing Room, providing training, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and maintaining a clean work environment. The ideal candidate will possess a Master's Degree from an accredited program, PA(ASCP) certification, and a strong background in anatomy and dissection techniques. Join a dynamic and fast-paced team where your expertise will contribute significantly to patient care and research initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree and PA(ASCP) certification required.
• 1-2 years of experience preferred with extensive anatomy knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Manage Grossing Room workflow and train staff.
• Perform gross description and dissection of surgical specimens.

Skills

Anatomy Knowledge

Dissection Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Medical Terminology

Data Entry Skills

Education

Master's Degree from NAACLS accredited program

AAPA approved Pathologists' Assistant Training Program

Tools

Laboratory Information System

Job description

The Pathologists' Assistant, under the supervision of the Anatomic Pathology Operations Manager, performs a broad range of tasks related to processing human surgical pathology specimens. These tasks include gross description and dissection of specimens, ensuring proper specimen orientation and tissue selection, and collaborating with pathologists on cases. The Pathologists' Assistant plays an integral role in training staff, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and troubleshooting any issues in the pathology workflow. This position requires a high degree of technical expertise, clinical judgment, and the ability to function independently within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Grossing Room Management:
   • Organize workflow in the Grossing Room, directing the efforts of residents, grossing technicians, and other technical staff as necessary.
   • Monitor the intake of surgical specimens from the operating rooms, ensuring correct assignment to appropriate staff.
   • Coordinate schedules of Pathologists' Assistants and technical staff to ensure adequate coverage in both the grossing room and cytology prep room.
2. Gross Description and Dissection:
   • Perform gross description and dissection on a wide range of surgical pathology specimens (Levels 1-5).
   • Submit appropriate diagnostic sections and review cases with a pathologist when necessary.
   • Provide instruction on gross anatomy, specimen orientation, tissue selection, cryotomy, and staining for intraoperative diagnosis.
3. Training and Instruction:
   • Offer formal instruction and training to Grossing Technicians and residents in surgical pathology techniques and Gross Room procedures.
   • Contribute to competency assessments for PA staff.
   • Act as a resource for staff regarding pathology procedures and troubleshooting issues.
4. Regulatory Compliance and Safety:
   • Ensure diagnostic viability of specimens, correct patient labeling, and adherence to regulatory standards set by JC, CAP, and other agencies.
   • Assist in frozen section examination, cut and stain tissue for pathologist review, and photograph or x-ray specimens for diagnostic or research purposes.
   • Ensure safety protocols are followed and maintain a clean and organized work area.
5. Specimen Management and Research Support:
   • Triage tissue for appropriate fixation or special studies.
   • Assist in acquiring tissue samples for clinical studies, teaching, and research purposes.
   • Help prepare case materials for conferences, research, or special studies.
6. Data Management and Technical Support:
   • Enter patient data into the laboratory information system, ensuring accurate assignment of surgical pathology accession numbers and patient charge information.
   • Load and activate tissue processors as needed and assist with troubleshooting quality assurance and quality improvement issues in the lab.
7. Facility Preparation and Inspections:
   • Assist the Manager in preparing the Grossing Room for inspections by regulatory agencies like The Joint Commission and CAP.
   • Act as an on-site resource for supply or service issues.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree from NAACLS accredited program required.
• AAPA approved Pathologists' Assistant Training Program.
• PA(ASCP) certification required. Recent graduates must obtain PA(ASCP) certification within 1 calendar year from the date of training program completion.
• 1-2 years experience preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of anatomy, medical terminology, and histologic procedures.
• Excellent dissection technical skills and ability to perform frozen sections.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with a diverse range of hospital staff.
• Familiarity with basic computer programs for data entry and clinical information retrieval.
• Ability to train and develop staff in surgical pathology techniques.

Physical Requirements:

• Exposure to biohazardous materials, formaldehyde, hazardous chemicals/fixatives, and potentially infectious organisms.
• Frequent use of sharp instruments, such as scalpels and razors.
• Lifting up to 50 lbs or greater may be required.