Job Description:
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/ABILITES:
- 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.
