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 Science, Pathologists’ Assistant or equivalent with eligibility for/current active Certification by the 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 by the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) an asset and and/or eligibility for/active certification by the Canadian Certification Council of Pathologists’ Assistants (CCCPA) considered
• 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 an acute care setting, 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.