Description
Diagnose diseases by examining tissues, organs, and cells through gross and microscopic evaluation, cytology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular assays; provide intraoperative consultations and autopsies; communicate results to clinicians and oversee anatomic pathology services.
- • Examine surgical specimens grossly and microscopically to render diagnoses.
- • Provide intraoperative consultations, including frozen section evaluation.
- • Interpret gynecologic and nongynecologic cytology specimens.
- • Perform and interpret fine-needle aspiration biopsies of superficial lesions.
- • Author synoptic and narrative pathology reports with tumor grading and staging.
- • Select and interpret ancillary studies such as immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.
- • Coordinate and interpret tissue-based molecular tests for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy selection.
- • Correlate pathologic findings with clinical and imaging data and advise clinicians.
- • Communicate critical and unexpected results promptly to surgeons and treating teams.
- • Participate in tumor boards and multidisciplinary case conferences.
- • Review outside slides and provide expert second opinions.
- • Perform or supervise hospital autopsies to determine cause of death and study disease.
- • Develop and enforce protocols for specimen handling, fixation, grossing, and processing.
- • Oversee histology and cytology laboratory operations, quality assurance, and safety.
- • Teach and mentor residents, fellows, and laboratory staff in anatomic pathology.
- • Plan and supervise the work of pathology assistants and technologists.
- • Implement and evaluate new anatomic pathology tests and digital pathology workflows.
- • Conduct research and present scientific findings.
- • Maintain continuing education through literature review and professional activities.
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Healthcare & Human Services
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
