Pathology Assistant

Job Summary & Requirements

Pathologist Assistant

Responsibilities

Under the medical direction and supervision of the Chief Pathologist and other Pathologists, and operational supervision of the Laboratory Manager and Director, key responsibilities include:

• Performing gross examination including complex cancer resections, dictation and sectioning of pathologic specimens for the examination and diagnosis by Pathologists as per protocol.
• Reviewing and correcting transcribed gross descriptions in Laboratory Information System (LIS).
• Photographing gross specimens.
• Loading tissue processors.
• Assisting in setup and performance of post-mortem examinations under the supervision of a pathologist.
• Teaching and providing presentations to new staff, pathology residents and rotating medical students.
• Interacting with the surgical services and clinics regarding tissue specimen submissions for processing.
• Coordinating the temporary storage, retention and disposal of tissue specimens.
• Participating in initiatives related to the RVH Strategic Plan, Laboratory Quality Management System and Accreditation Canada - Diagnostics requirements.
• Assisting in the development and maintenance of procedure manuals, reports, and data.
• Ensuring all RVH policies and procedures are followed.
• Performing other administrative, operational, budgetary, supervisory, teaching, and other duties as may be assigned.

RELATED DUTIES:

Upholding the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, if applicable.

Upholding the Regulated Health Professions Act, if applicable.

The above responsibilities are not to be considered all-inclusive; may be assigned other related duties in the interest of efficient operations of RVH or effective patient care.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability in examining, describing, dissecting and photography of small and complex large surgical specimens of all tissue types.
• Experience with frozen section microtomy, staining and bone decalcification an asset.
• Demonstrated proficiency with keyboarding, Laboratory Information Systems (Meditech preferred), MS Office, internet use and other computer software.
• Voice recognition software experience an asset.
• Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and professionally with staff, physicians, volunteers, patient families, and visitors.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and perform tasks in a cost-effective manner.
• Ability to perform duties independently and as a team member, with high degree of motivation and independent judgment.
• Knowledge of Accreditation Canada - Diagnostics requirements an asset.
• Demonstrated commitment to excellent attendance and schedule flexibility.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and performing mandatory reviews.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and problem-solving ability.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master of Clinical Science, Pathologist Assistant; Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists’ Assistants required; American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA) registration and/or equivalent certification preferred.
• Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) with a Bachelor of Science in Biology or equivalent, with active certification with College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) an asset.
• Membership and participation in a relevant professional organization.
• Extensive knowledge of medical and technical terminology, gross anatomy, microscopic anatomy, microbiology, and pathology required.
• Minimum of 3 years experience in gross dissection with knowledge of human anatomy and gross pathology in normal and disease states (cancer specimen experience preferred).
• Experience in assisting with/performing autopsies preferred.