Pathologists' Assistant - Pathology - Clear Lake

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking a Pathologist Assistant to perform gross examination of surgical pathology specimens under pathologist supervision. The role includes teaching residents and PA students in gross pathology and contributing to performance improvement initiatives.

The position emphasizes accuracy, independent work, and effective communication with the interprofessional team, with on-site duties in the pathology department.

Qualifications

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated in Licenses and Certifications.
• One year clinical experience if program-trained
• Three years clinical experience if on-the-job trained
• Experience with computer systems

Responsibilities

• Provides gross examination of surgical pathology specimens and dictates gross descriptions.
• Instructs pathology residents and pathology assistant students in gross surgical pathology.
• Performs gross dissection of large and small surgical specimens using standard protocols.
• Photographs specimens for documentation and presentations; maintains digital photography database.
• Assists with intra-operative specimens and reviews frozen sections for quality assurance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication skills

English proficiency

Computer literacy

Education

Graduate of approved PA education program

Tools

Computer systems

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Pathologist Assistant position is responsible for providing anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. This position contributes to the overall efficiency of the laboratory and pathology practice in a cost-effective manner by performing a variety of tasks, consisting primarily of gross examination of surgical pathology specimens and instructing pathology residents and pathology assistant students in gross surgical pathology. This Pathologists' Assistant position also participates in department initiatives, identifying and assisting with opportunities for performance improvement activities.

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

EXPERIENCE

• One year clinical experience if program-trained


• Three years clinical experience if on-the-job trained


• Experience with computer systems

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• PA(ASCP) - Pathologists’ Assistant (ASCP) - American Society for Clinical Pathology_PSV within 6 months

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations


• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security


• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles


• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision.


• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy work flow with minimal supervision.


• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy.


• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action.


• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides instruction to pathology residents, fellows and pathology assistant students in surgical and autopsy pathology, acting as a resource and mentor.


• Collaborates with interprofessional team members to provide clinical expertise, providing appropriate clinical judgment and support interprofessional health care team.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs gross dissection of large and small surgical specimens, using standard dissection protocols, identifying and submitting pathologic tissues for histological processing and evaluation. Dictates accurate and precise gross descriptions for each specimen.


• Assists wit dissection and tissue sampling of specimens sent for intra-operative consultation.


• Photographs specimens for documentation and for use in presentations and publications. Maintains digital photography database.


• Completes overflow cases from other peripheral hospitals as needed. Available to provide coverage at other Houston Methodist laboratory entities as needed.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews all frozen section reports on a monthly basis for quality assurance, with final review and assessment by pathologists.


• Collects cases for quality assurance retrospective review.


• Ensures compliance with OSHA regulations and adherence to safety procedures.


• Identifies opportunities for process improvement providing recommendations impacting quality and safety targets, collaborating with the interprofessional team. Contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks as appropriate.


• Works in conjunction with department to reduce any waste of resources and materials and perpetuate financial stewardship and growth.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains personal professional development through professional organization membership. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis. Seeks opportunities to expand learning to further their education for growth with a focus on continual development.


• Participates in specified division clinical education programs, division meetings. Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement hospital projects and department activities.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No


• Scrubs: Yes


• Business professional: No


• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**

**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes


• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

EXPERIENCE

• One year clinical experience if program-trained


• Three years clinical experience if on-the-job trained


• Experience with computer systems

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

• PA(ASCP) - Pathologists’ Assistant (ASCP) - American Society for Clinical Pathology_PSV within 6 months