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Job Objective: A brief overview of the position.
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• The Pathologists’ Assistant works independently using the medical knowledge to perform human specimen examination for diagnosis and patient treatment and functions in support of and as an adjunct to the physicians in Pathology. Under general supervision of a pathologist, independently performs or assists in, dissection, evisceration, description, and histologic sampling of a full range of surgical specimens. Assists faculty in the supervision and training of entry level resident physicians and fellows in pathology and new Pathologists’ assistants. Interacts internally with staff pathologists and other technologists on a daily basis. External contacts occur frequently with staff physicians and referring facilities. Organizational skills are required to plan and coordinate workflow in order to meet patient care requirements and provide for satisfactory turnaround time of tests. Working knowledge of computers is required to report results and collect quality assurance data using the Anatomic Pathology information system, Dictation and Electronic Medical Record.
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Reports to
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- Director-Laboratory
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Supervises
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- None
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Ages of Patients
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- Neonate/Infant
- Pediatric
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Geriatric
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Blood Borne Pathogens
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- High Potential
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Qualifications
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Education
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- Required: Bachelor’s degree
- Preferred: Graduate of NAACLS accredited Pathologist’s Assistant Training Program; Master’s degree or higher
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Licensure/Certification
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- Required: American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) board certification
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Experience
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- Preferred: Pathologists’ Assistant experience
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Essential Responsibilities
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1. Demonstrates compliance with Code of Conduct and compliance policies, and takes action to resolve compliance questions or concerns and report suspected violations.
2. Preparation, gross description and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens including:
Assuring appropriate specimen identification and accessioning.
Obtaining clinical history, including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc.
Follow CAP Cancer Protocols, AJCC Cancer Staging Manual and AAPA Grossing Guidelines when processing complex cancer cases.
Comply with specimen processing protocols in a uniform manner.
Describing gross anatomic features, dissecting surgical specimens, and preparing tissues for histologic processing.
Assuring integrity of specimens by using knowledge of relationship between appropriate specimen and procedural requirements.
Exercises judgment by preserving samples for testing.
Verification of accuracy, and editing of CPT codes for each specimen.
Obtaining biological specimens such as blood, tissue and toxicological material for studies such as flow cytometry, image analysis, immunohistochemistry, etc., and performing special procedures including specimen imaging / radiography and tumor triage.
Performing frozen sections and other intra-operative consultations, within established protocol and procedural parameters.
Maintaining quality control / assurance activities and records.
Photographing all pertinent gross specimens and microscopic slides.
Performing duties relating to the administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, reports and data.
Operating, maintaining and troubleshooting of instrumentation for the safe and routine operation of equipment.
Assuring proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.
Assisting in the orientation of new personnel as directed by the laboratory directory.
3. Other Responsibilities:
Completes special projects as requested.
Resolves procedural problems with consultation. Reports appropriate results and problems to Pathologist(s).
Performs and documents quality control and QA procedures as required by various accrediting agencies and hospital regulations.
Performs administrative, teaching and other duties as assigned
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Located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, you have access to resort-style living and world-class amenities throughout Southern California.
