Pathologist Assistant

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Pathologists’ Assistant (PA) is responsible for the daily operations of the Surgical Pathology Grossing Room. The PA teaches, trains, and assists pathology residents and student fellows in surgical dissections, frozen sections, gross photography and ensures proper collection of data and tissues for the Vermont Cancer Center Tumor Bank. The PS will assist with decisions regarding appropriate billing for specimens. The PA dissects/dictates surgical specimens and works independently in cooperation with CVMC Laboratory CLIA Medical Director and staff pathologists. The PA assists in creating and maintaining Anatomic Pathology policies/procedures. The PA offers guidance to residents, medical students, clinicians, researchers and Laboratory staff. The PA receives guidance from and reports to the CLIA medical Director.

DUTIES

• Exercises independent judgment in the performance of Pathologist Assistant duties.
• Accepts responsibility and serves as resource for surgical pathology and ensures accurate quality dissection.
• Teaches proper surgical dissection protocols and dictation techniques, and quality gross photography. Teaches and performs quality frozen sectioning within established time constraints.
• Ensures compliance with accreditation agencies.
• Performs surgical dissections and dictations as required. Ensures proper collection of tissues and data maintenance for special studies, techniques, research and tumor bank.
• Ensures safety policies/protocols are followed. (Standard Precautions, formalin/formaldehyde handling, infectious disease) and documents non-compliance.
• Assists Histology Lead, Laboratory Administrative Director and CLIA Lab Medical Director with designated Q/Improvement projects related to Surgical Pathology as time allows.
• Monitors Quality Assurance systems and corrects problems immediately and /or relates problems to CLIA Medical Director.
• Communicates procedural/technical changes/updates accurately and promptly to appropriate personnel. Communicates staff/policy concerns to CLIA Medical Director.
• Promotes a positive work environment for the free flow of ideas, and communication between coworkers and other organization and network departments.
• Provides input to Histology Lead on grossing staff for performance appraisals.
• Assists with new employee orientation/training.
• Interviews new candidates and provides input to CLIA Medical Director.
• Helps to resolve conflicts amongst the Histology Team.
• Makes recommendation for equipment, space and operations to CLIA Medical Director.
• Actively participates in educational/in-service programs and departmental conferences.
• Attends professional education meetings as budget allows. Keeps current with professional literature and presents information to others at staff meetings.                     
• Knowledge of electronic medical record.
• Strict adherence of CVMC and Laboratory department policies.
• Employees will perform his/her job in a safe manner as defined in any and all applicable CVMC policies specific to the job including but not limited to policies addressing: Universal precautions, Use of PPE, Safe lifting/ergonomics, Handling of hazardous materials.
• “Notifies direct supervisor of infractions of policy, procedure, laws and regulations as they are identified.
• Notifies supervisor’s manager of same if supervisor does not correct or resolve issue within a reasonable time frame.  Notifies Corporate Compliance Officer of any issues that continue to be unresolved.” 

EDUCATION

Graduate of an NAACLS accredited Pathologist Assistant program. Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE        

Minimum: None, 1 year preferred.   

BENEFITS  

At CVMC, we support our employees as passionately as we care for our patients. We offer a comprehensive, total compensation package that includes salary, health and wellness benefits, paid time off, and more.  

• Benefits (uvmhealth.org)

Learn more about us

About CVMC | Central Vermont Medical Center