Description
Diagnose diseases of the skin, hair, and nails by interpreting tissue and cellular specimens using microscopic and ancillary techniques. Provide diagnostic reports and consultation to clinicians; may oversee laboratory quality programs, education, and research.
- • Examine skin, hair, and nail biopsies and excisions by light microscopy.
- • Diagnose inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic dermatoses from histology.
- • Correlate microscopic findings with clinical history, images, and dermoscopy.
- • Order and interpret special stains, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and molecular tests.
- • Recommend deeper sections, recuts, or repeat biopsies when indicated.
- • Assess tumor type, grade, stage, and margin status; provide synoptic reports.
- • Interpret frozen sections for intraoperative or margin assessment.
- • Issue clear, timely pathology reports and communicate critical results.
- • Provide dermatopathology consultation to dermatologists, surgeons, and oncologists.
- • Review prior slides and outside cases; render second opinions.
- • Participate in multidisciplinary conferences and tumor boards.
- • Maintain accurate specimen identification and LIS documentation.
- • Oversee laboratory QA/QC and compliance with CAP/CLIA standards.
- • Teach residents, fellows, and medical students in dermatopathology.
- • Stay current through literature review, conferences, and professional societies.
- • Conduct or collaborate on clinical, translational, or basic research in cutaneous disease.
- • Advise clinicians on biopsy techniques, tissue handling, and test selection.
- • Recommend further clinical evaluation or referral based on pathologic findings.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
