Physicians, Pathologists
What is a Physician, Pathologist?
A physician, pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the study and diagnosis of disease by examining tissues, organs, bodily fluids, and autopsies. Their primary role involves analyzing laboratory results, interpreting medical tests, and providing insights into the causes and consequences of diseases. Pathologists play a crucial role in patient care, as they help guide treatment decisions by identifying the nature of diseases through microscopic examination and various diagnostic tools. They often work closely with other healthcare professionals, including surgeons, oncologists, and primary care physicians, to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. In addition to clinical practice, many pathologists are involved in research and teaching, advancing knowledge in the field of medicine and contributing to the development of new diagnostic techniques.
Tasks
- Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
- Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
- Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
- Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
- Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Microsoft Access
- Presentation software
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Medical software
- CPSI TruBridge
- MEDITECH Expanse Pathology
- Sunquest PathLogix
- Wyndgate Technologies ElDorado Donor
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Accounting software
- Oracle Cerner Revenue Cycle Management
- Healthvision MediAR
- TELCOR Billing Information System
- XIFIN RPM
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Information retrieval or search software
- ComBase
- Digital image databases
Tools Used
- Microtomes
- Dropping pipettes
- Non vacuum blood collection tubes or containers
- Immunology analyzers
- Surgical bone biopsy trephines
Knowledge
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Skills
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Abilities
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Post-doctoral training
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Doctoral degree
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Master's degree
Work Activities
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
- Diagnose medical conditions.
- Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.
- Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
- Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.