A pathologist job description is one of the more nebulous for those outside the specialty. The reality is that no area of modern medicine is more central to care than pathology. From every cancer diagnosis and infectious disease confirmation to many clinical treatment decisions, pathology is the silent force at work.
Pathology is much more than microscopes and lab reports, however. Knowing what pathologists really do requires a closer look at the decision-making responsibilities they provide for patients and hospitals across nearly all medical disciplines.
Key Takeaways
- A pathologist’s primary role is to diagnose disease using laboratory-based testing rather than interacting with patients.
- The day-to-day duties of a pathologist include reading and analyzing tissue samples, interpreting laboratory test results, and collaborating with other medical professionals.
- Pathologists practice in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, laboratories, academia, and private practices.
- Workforce growth is expected to increase the demand for pathologists in the future, making it an important role to fill.
Table of Contents
Core Responsibilities in a Pathologist Job Description
The central responsibility in a pathologist job description is to evaluate and interpret laboratory specimens and tests. These can include tissue biopsies, blood samples, bone marrow aspirates, cytology slides, body fluids, and molecular testing data. A pathologist will use these materials to confirm or rule out the presence of disease and, if applicable, determine the cause, stage, progression, and severity of disease
On a daily basis, pathologists typically spend time reviewing slides under a microscope, verifying the accuracy of laboratory test results, and writing diagnostic reports. In the case of many tissue biopsies and bodily fluid samples, pathologists will provide critical information that a treating physician uses to determine which treatment is most likely to succeed, the patient’s prognosis, and the severity of a disease or condition. As such, the accuracy and timeliness of a pathologist’s work has a direct impact on patient care and treatment outcomes.
Pathologists are also in charge of quality assurance and oversight in the laboratory. This includes maintaining and monitoring lab standards, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and verifying that all testing protocols and methods meet clinical and accreditation standards.
Subspecialties Within the Pathologist Job Description
The pathology specialty is divided into several subspecialties, each with its own unique focus and responsibilities. The main divisions are anatomic pathology and clinical pathology, with anatomic pathologists focused on tissue-based diagnosis and clinical pathologists on lab-based testing and analysis.
The pathologist job description can vary significantly depending on subspecialty focus. Within anatomic pathology, pathologists may focus on surgical pathology, cytopathology, or forensic pathology, among other areas. Clinical pathologists typically specialize in hematology, microbiology, transfusion medicine, or clinical chemistry.
Pathologists often pursue subspecialty training in areas like dermatopathology, hematopathology, forensic pathology, gastrointestinal pathology, neuropathology, and molecular pathology, among others.
Work Settings Where Pathologists Practice
A comprehensive pathologist Job description includes the wide range of environments where these specialists practice. Pathologists can work in a variety of settings. Hospitals are the most common setting for pathologists, though they also work in independent laboratories, academic medical centers, government agencies, and private pathology groups.
Academic pathologists may work in teaching hospitals or university-affiliated medical centers where they often have additional responsibilities in teaching and research in addition to diagnostic work. Private practice pathologists may work in high-volume diagnostic settings and may also be involved in laboratory management and business operations.
Some pathologists also work in industry roles related to diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, or medical devices.
Collaboration and Clinical Impact
Although pathologists rarely provide bedside care, they are heavily involved in collaborating with other clinical teams. Surgeons, oncologists, internists, and primary care physicians all depend on pathology reports to confirm diagnoses and to plan interventions and treatment.
Tumor boards and multidisciplinary conferences are often held in cancer centers, where pathologists may be asked to explain diagnostic nuances, or to address test limitations. This reflects the consultative nature of the pathologist job description, which is part medical professional and part advisor.
A pathologist may also consult with clinicians on the appropriate selection of tests to help minimize unnecessary testing while maintaining accuracy in diagnosis.
Technology and the Evolving Pathologist Job Description
Technology is already changing the nature of pathology in many ways and likely will continue to do so. Advances in digital pathology and slide scanning now allow for remote review and consultation of slides. Molecular testing, genomic sequencing, and other advanced tests have expanded the use of precision medicine and targeted treatment.
Workforce Trends Affecting the Pathologist Job Description
Physician workforce trends play a role in determining the responsibilities a pathologist may take on or the practice setting they choose. The ASCP has warned that if stakeholders do not invest and coordinate resources on a timely basis, pathology workforce shortages could arise that would limit patient access to diagnostic care and negatively affect patient outcomes.
Workforce analysis data has shown that the number of pathologists entering practice each year is around 600, and this is below the number needed to meet future demand for pathologists. To keep up with the expected increase in need for the field, an estimated 700–840 new pathologists will be needed per year.
Longer-term projections from the ASCP have predicted the U.S. will be short about 3,000 pathologists by 2037.
Education and Training Requirements
In addition to daily responsibilities, a pathologist job description can also be distinguished by a lengthy education and training requirement. Pathologists complete a residency in either anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, or a combined anatomic-clinical pathology program after earning their medical degree.
Pathologists may choose to complete one or more fellowships to gain expertise in a specific subspecialty. The extended training process both impacts the current workforce constraints and the high level of expertise expected of a practicing pathologist.
Career Considerations and Professional Risk
Unique professional considerations within the pathologist job description also exist. Pathologists are expected to meet productivity metrics and quotas for test turnaround and case volume, which can create an internal source of pressure. The appropriate selection and use of tests and billing also can have risk associated with the reimbursement structure and regulatory changes.
Diagnostic accuracy and specificity carries significant legal and ethical liability for pathologists, particularly in areas such as oncology and transfusion medicine. Pathologists can be at risk for increased stress, administrative burdens, and clinical responsibility associated with the projected increase in workload from workforce growth.
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