Pathologists' Assistant

We're offering a generous sign on bonus of $10,000 come you to our team. Recognizing and valuing exceptional talent, we're eager to discuss the exciting details of this bonus during our interview process.

Acting quite independently under the supervision of the Technical Supervisor, Surgical Pathology, performs a wide variety of tasks in processing of the full range of human surgical pathology specimens. This includes gross description and dissection, submitting appropriate diagnostic sections, and when necessary review of the case at sign-out with a pathologist. Provides instruction to resident trainees and Pathologists' Assistant student interns on gross anatomy, appropriate specimen orientation, tissue selection, cryotomy, and staining for stat intraoperative diagnosis by the pathologist. Performs a wide variety of prosecting and reporting responsibilities in the autopsy suite, when required. Performs other technical and ad hoc administrative tasks in laboratory.

Duties:

1. Gross description and dissection of a full range of surgical pathology specimens. Correct and finalize gross description section of surgical pathology report following transcription. As required, review gross description and case materials with medical staff at sign-out.
2. Formal instruction for pathology residents in surgical pathology technique. Orient and train medical residents, medical students, Pathologists' Assistant students, and less advanced technicians in Pathology Gross Room procedures.
3. Demonstrates astute clinical judgment when handling patient material and reports.
4. Maintains diagnostic viability of specimens. Ensures correct patient labeling of all materials received. Ensures that requests for service by clinicians meets regulatory standards set by JCAHO and other agencies.
5. Photograph and x-ray specimens as needed for diagnostic study, research and clinical studies.
6. Prepares frozen sections.
7. Appropriately triages tissue for different types of fixation or special studies.
8. Performs post-mortem examinations including prosection of organ block and sampling tissue for histologic sections. Dictates data as necessary for autopsy report. Correct and finalize gross description section of autopsy report following transcription. As necessary, review gross description and case materials with senior staff at sign-out.
9. Obtain biological specimens for further analysis at autopsy.
10. Ensures that documents for autopsy are properly completed in accordance with hospital policy and state law.
11. Assist senior staff by assuring consistent and proper acquisition of tissue from specimens for departmental or inter-departmental purposes such as clinical studies, teaching, and research.
12. Assist pathology staff in preparation of case materials or photographic material for research, conferences or special studies.
13. Enter data of patient medical record information into computer, assign surgical pathology accession numbers, edit and confirm patient charge information, using laboratory information system
14. Troubleshoot problems that arise dealing with mislabeling of specimens, specimens missing in processing, etc., working with senior staff and other departmental personnel as necessary, as well as other clinical staff in the hospital.
15. Load and activate program of tissue processors, as needed.
16. As necessary, on a rotating basis, provides Saturday coverage for grossing surgical specimens.
17. As necessary, provides coverage for Tissue Bank Pathologists' Assistant.
18. Active participation in resident teaching conferences.
19. As necessary in the frozen section lab, with the resident or staff pathologist, select tissue from surgical specimens, section in a cryostat and stain these sections for review and stat intraoperative diagnosis by the pathologist
20. Assist in keeping work area clean, organized, and in compliance with all safety regulations.
21. Maintains established department policies, procedures and objectives, including quality assurance, safety, environmental and infection control.
22. Follows all Joint Commission Patient Safety Goals and related BWH Laboratory and Hospital Policies.
23. Perform all other duties and responsibilities as directed.

Qualifications:

Master's Degree from NAACLS accredited and AAPA approved Pathologists' Assistant Training Program required prior to date of hire.

PA(ASCP) certification required. Recent graduates must obtain PA(ASCP) certification within 1 calendar year from date of training program completion.

Two or more years of experience highly desired with preference in academic setting.

Other qualifications as described in the Federal Register, 42 CFR, Subpart M 493.1403 - 1495.

BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.