Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Performs and/or assists pathologists in accessioning, dissection, gross description, and histological sampling of surgical specimens ranging from small biopsies to large resections. Teaches dissection and descriptive techniques to entry level resident physicians and/or staff.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) plus national certification as a Pathologists’ Assistant from the American Association of Pathologists’ Assistants (AAPA) required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.

This position is not responsible for providing patient care.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Assures appropriate accessioning of surgical specimens.
2. Obtains and summarizes specimen’s medical history.
3. Dissects surgical specimens.
4. Describes gross anatomic features.
5. Prepares tissue for histological processing.
6. Photographs gross specimens ensuring a high standard of specimen photography.
7. Assesses and assigns appropriate specimen coding.
8. Ensures integrity on the accurate identification of samples, test performance and reporting of results.
9. Teaches dissection and descriptive techniques to entry level resident physicians and staff. Serves as the technical expert.
10. Conducts annual reviews on all gross room standard operating procedures and recommends changes as needed.
11. Complies with established safety and biohazard regulations.
12. Follows all Quality Control/Assurance and Improvement regulations in accordance with established procedures.
13. Interacts effectively with the medical community, lab and other hospital staff.

Problem Solving

Incumbent must work independently by following strict rules and polices developed by the Hospital and DNV for autopsy services. All autopsy procedures must be reviewed and signed off by a licensed pathologist.

Comments

The work environment involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, and/or loud noises that requires following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment; pushes and pulls objects weighing up to 25 pounds; stands and/or walks for more than four (4) hours per day. Incumbents must possess fine motor coordination, clear speech, good visual acuity and color perception.