Pathologist Assistant

Brown University Health; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 91,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University Health seeks a Pathologist Assistant to prepare surgical and autopsy specimens for microscopic analysis under general supervision, including gross description and dissection. Assists in postmortem examinations at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence.

The role emphasizes collaboration with pathologists, residents, and students, maintaining safety, and ensuring accurate specimen handling and documentation within SOPs and LIS systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology with accredited pathologist assistant program.
• Pathologist Assistant certification preferred; doctoral training may substitute.
• Strong analytical ability to interpret findings and relay to pathologist.
• Knowledge of anatomic pathology computer systems.
• Ability to perform gross dissection using surgical instruments.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process surgical pathology specimens: fix, cut, photograph, and section; include frozen sections per SOPs.
• Perform postmortem examinations under pathologist supervision; assist students in autopsies.
• Orient and teach residents and medical students.
• Maintain inventory and equipment, including preventive maintenance.
• Notify leadership when workload backing up; maintain safe, clean work environment.
• Ensure equipment is in good working order and monitor station cleanliness.
• Monitor hours/activities of grossing staff.
• Perform duties such as accessioning, billing, and coding.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical ability

Interpersonal skills

Gross dissection

LIS software knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology

Accredited Pathologist Assistant program

PA certification preferred

Tools

Laboratory Information System

Job description

Summary

The Pathologist Assistant reports to the Lead Pathologist Assistant and the attending pathologist. Under general supervision, prepares surgical and autopsy specimens for microscopic examination, which includes gross description and dissection. Assists in the performance of postmortem examinations.

Summary

The Pathologist Assistant reports to the Lead Pathologist Assistant and the attending pathologist. Under general supervision, prepares surgical and autopsy specimens for microscopic examination, which includes gross description and dissection. Assists in the performance of postmortem examinations.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

Responsibilities

• Processes surgical pathology specimens including properly fixing, cutting, photographing, and sectioning of surgical specimens, including frozen sections and utilization of the laboratory information system according to standard operating policies and procedures.
• Performs postmortem examination under the supervision of the pathologist and assists medical students in performing autopsies.
• Works closely with residents and medical students, orienting and teaching.
• Maintains inventory and equipment including preventative maintenance tasks.
• Notifies in a timely manner either the chief resident, fellow, Director of Surgical Pathology or Director of the resident’s program when work is beginning to back up.
• Ensures a clean and safe work environment by maintaining adequate supplies and instruments and monitoring the cleanliness of work-stations, including frozen section area. Ensures equipment is in good working order.
• Monitors hours and activities of grossing staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned, such as accessioning, billing, and coding.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in biology and successful completion of an accredited pathologist assistant program.
• Pathologist Assistant certification preferred.
• Completion of medical training or related doctoral program may be substituted for Pathologist Assistant certification.
• Professional knowledge and very high level of analytical ability to perform postmortem and tissue examinations interpret findings and determine data to be forwarded to pathologist.
• Knowledge of anatomic pathology computer system functions.
• Ability to conduct gross dissection procedures utilizing surgical instruments.
• Interpersonal and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with pathologists, train medical students and residents, and present and defend case findings at conferences.
• Written communication skills to prepare case summaries and interpretations, and reports of laboratory activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

Experience

• Three to six months job related experience to become familiar with a variety of procedures, techniques and equipment used in performing activities.
• Physical abilities to assist in lifting and positioning bodies.
• Exposed to infectious diseases and odorous chemicals when performing autopsies and working with surgical specimens. Hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety precautions

Pay Range

$90,729.60-$149,697.60

EEO Statement

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location

Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

Work Type

M-F 7 am - 3:30pm

Work Shift

Day

Daily Hours

8 hours

Driving Required

No