Senior Pathologists' Assistant

Kaiser Permanente • Redwood City, CA

69d

About The Position

The Sr. Pathologists Assistant provides anatomic pathology services under the control and supervision of a pathologist by assisting in the preparation and performance of human surgical specimen dissection and human postmortem examinations. The Sr. Pathologists Assistant, by virtue of his/her experience and competency in the role, provides oversight of gross room, including special techniques and special studies, and may function as a mentor to less experienced Pathologists Assistants and pathology technician assistants (PTAs).

Requirements

• Minimum three (3) years of prior Certified Pathologists Assistant experience in the last five (5) years required.
• Masters degree in biological sciences, allied health sciences or related field required, OR Bachelor's degree with two (2) years of experience as a Certified Pathologists Assistant.
• Pathologist's Assistant Certificate from American Society for Clinical Pathologists.
• Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated analytic and diagnostic reasoning skills.
• Knowledge of PC applications required.
• Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in formal process improvement projects.
• Previous experience leading, training, or mentoring a team, OR acting in a supervisory capacity preferred.
• Maintains continuous membership with the American Association of Pathologists Assistants (AAPA) or American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Responsibilities

• Obtains biological specimens for analysis; and, upon direction of the pathologist performs special procedures such as coronary artery perfusion studies, tumor triage, and faxitron (x-ray).
• Under the supervision of a pathologist, prepares human surgical specimens for gross description and dissection, including but not limited to: describes gross anatomic features, dissects surgical specimens and prepares tissue for histological examination.
• Assures appropriate specimen accessioning, obtains the clinical history and photographs all pertinent specimens and microscopic slides as directed by a pathologist(s).
• Obtains the patient medical chart and other pertinent data for review with the attending pathologist.
• Under the direction of a pathologist, performs postmortem examinations which may include: external examinations, in situ organ inspections, evisceration, dissection and dictation or recording of data such as organ weights, presence of body fluids and gross anatomic findings.
• Selects and prepares gross tissue section for frozen section analysis.
• Photographs body, organs, and other pertinent specimens.
• Gathers and organizes clinical information and data for completion of the autopsy report.
• Ascertains proper legal authorization for autopsy as directed by a pathologist(s).
• Coordinates autopsy paperwork with medical center leadership, house supervisor, and Next of Kin.
• Coordinates with multiple stakeholders including physicians, managers, Regional staff and vendors.
• May perform duties relating to the administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, reports/data including filing reports, protocols, photographic and microscopic slides and assures completion of coding.
• Participates in preparing cases for tumor board and participates in Grand Rounds as necessary.
• Knowledgeable in Pathology information system.
• Follow-up on courier pick-ups, in-depth troubleshooting.
• Assists in Survey readiness for College of American Pathologists and Joint Commission inspections.
• Provides oversight of gross room, including special techniques and special studies, and may function as a mentor to less experienced Pathologists Assistants.
• Accountable for oversight/supervision/training of gross room staff (PTAs), including special techniques and special studies.
• Assists or manages schedule creation (core staffing).
• Confers with the pathologists to identify the special techniques and procedures that will be necessary and notifies all personnel involved.
• Prepares tissue samples, slides, blocks, and appropriate requisitions for specialized testing to outside facilities.
• Serves as an operational leader to the pathology department.
• May collaborate with the pathologists, managers, and others on performance improvement activities and change initiatives.
• Communicates effectively both within and outside the department.
• Engage pro-actively in process improvement projects including coordinating with different medical subspecialties.
• Responsible for assuring proper maintenance of equipment, provides adequate supplies, and maintains cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.
• Assists in the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology conferences.
• Attends Certified Pathologists Assistant peer group meetings and implements region-wide changes.

What This Job Offers