Job Summary:

Under the clinical supervision of the pathologists and the administrative supervision of the Laboratory Administrator, examines, describes, and dissects all gross surgical specimens, and performs postmortem examinations and special procedures on tissue. Photographs microscopic and macroscopic specimens, and maintains all manuals in the Anatomic Pathology Department. Coordinates all Quality Assurance activities in the Laboratory, and prepares statistical reports and the expense and revenue budget for Anatomic Pathology. Will act as the system manager for the surgical pathology computer system.

1. Processes all surgical specimens in such a way that a correct diagnosis can be made by the pathologist. This includes: a. Thoroughly examining and dissecting all types of specimens. b. Providing an accurate gross description and corresponding diagrams if necessary. c. Taking appropriate sections for Histology, inking necessary margins, and assuring proper fixation of all tissues. d. Communicating necessary embedding, sectioning, and staining instructions to Histology by using a worksheet designed for this purpose.

2. Performs special procedures on surgical specimens. This includes: a. Performing touch preparations and cultures, freezing tissue, using alternate fixatives and solutions, etc. b. Preparing specimens for send-out (cardiac biopsies, muscle biopsies, renal biopsies, tissue for ERA/PRA, karyotyping, etc.)

3. Performs postmortem examinations in such a way that a correct diagnosis can be made by the pathologist. This includes: a. Reviewing clinical histories and contacting attending physicians when necessary. b. Performing external and internal examinations, dissecting organs, taking cultures when needed, and preparing tissue sections for histology. c. Documenting gross findings in an organized fashion by using a system-by-system approach (cardiovascular, respiratory, etc.) when dictating descriptions. d. Writing preliminary anatomic diagnoses.

4. Maintains surgical and autopsy procedure manuals and log books.

5. Photographs all macroscopic specimens for conferences and teaching purposes, and maintains the photography file and log books.

6. Coordinates all quality assurance activities in the Laboratory. This includes: a. Collecting and summarizing data from the Anatomic Pathology Department. b. Organizing data received from all Laboratory supervisors. c. Presenting collective information to pathologists at the monthly Quality Assurance Meeting. d. Writing quarterly reports and submitting appropriate information to the Quality Assurance Department.

7. Prepares statistical and productivity reports on a monthly basis.

8. Prepares expense and revenue budget for the Anatomic Pathology Department on an annual basis.

9. Orders new equipment and supplies for the Anatomic Pathology Department.

10. Organizes and attends monthly educational conference with pathologists; attends other related conferences such as Neuropathology and Surgical Pathology CPC on a monthly basis in order to keep abreast of new developments in the field of pathology.

11. Monitors compliance with Universal Health Precautions in the Anatomy Pathology Department.

12. Acts as system manager for the surgical pathology computer system on an ongoing basis by troubleshooting, designing reports, attending user's meetings, training staff on new software, etc.

13. Prepares SNOMED coding for autopsy cases. 14. Prepares monthly diener's weekend schedule.

Qualifications:

1. Extensive knowledge of the basic sciences, and superior verbal and written communication skills normally acquired through completion of a Bachelor's degree in a health science.

2. Extensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and disease states. Extensive comprehension of medical terminology. High level of understanding of surgical and autopsy techniques. Excellent dissection skills, requiring long periods of intense concentration and great attention to detail. Photography skills, a good working knowledge of histology procedures, and the ability to summarize clinical data. Ability to interact with residents, attending physicians, dieners, and a variety of laboratory personnel. These may be acquired through the completion of a Pathologist's Assistant Training Program, which includes a formal didactic program as well as a clinical internship, plus three years of related experience.

3. Ability to stand long periods at the cutting bench and in 1. Near constant exposure to formalin fumes and unpleasant odors associated with surgical specimens and deceased bodies. 2. High risk of exposure to hepatitis, HIV, and other diseases due to constant handling of tissues, blood, and other body fluids, and sharp instruments such as scalpels, scissors, saws and large knives.

4. Complies with precautions, as defined by Infection Control staff, in patients/materials requiring isolation. 4. Consistently uses sharps safety devices as designed to prevent injuries to self. Mount Auburn Hospital employees must be able to readily adjust to change and handle a rapid-paced environment and the stresses associated with that, while continuing to provide high-quality, efficient service.