Sr. Pathologists' Assistant

Trinity Health•Maywood, IL

1d•$110,240 - $170,000

About The Position

The Sr. Pathologists’ Assistant oversees operations in critical areas of anatomic pathology, including specimen receipt, the gross room, autopsy, and biobanking. The role participates in and oversees frozen sections, grossing, and autopsies, and leads teaching for pathology residents and medical students. The Sr. PA participates in quality improvement projects and ensures readiness for accreditation, including CAP and TJC inspections. The position provides technical and operational leadership, supports staff and learners, manages specimen and supply processes, and works with histology and other anatomic pathology and laboratory subsections to optimize patient care. The Sr. PA helps maintain current policies and procedures and recommends, implements, and monitors quality improvements.

Requirements

Master's degree in Biologic Sciences.
Graduate of a NAACLS-approved Pathologists' Assistant program.
3–5 years of previous job-related experience.
Certified Pathology Assistant (ASCP).

Nice To Haves

6–10 years of previous job-related experience.

Responsibilities

Ensure specimens are processed appropriately and promptly through frozen section and gross examination, following standard operating procedures and patient-safety practices.
Ensure residual tissues are stored according to preservation protocols, including samples frozen for clinical or research purposes.
Prepare and dissect surgical biopsies and large, complicated specimens, producing high-quality, high-volume work in a timely manner.
Provide leadership in introducing change, handle stressful situations effectively, and communicate effectively.
Oversee technical staff working in specimen receiving, the gross room, autopsy, and biobanking.
Serve as a resource for technical questions about specimen receipt, accessioning, intra-operative consultations, gross and autopsy examinations, equipment and specimen handling, safety and regulatory requirements, and approved research and biobanking activities.
Provide assistance and backup coverage as needed.
Provide feedback on technical staff and perform staff evaluations to support the manager.
Oversee pathology residents' orientation in the surgical pathology gross room and autopsy, and provide clinical performance feedback on residents.
Oversee medical students, pathologists' assistant students, and resident activities in the gross room and autopsy; train and assist learners in gross description, dissection and dictation techniques, specimen handling, laboratory information system data entry, and instrument and equipment use.
Serve as a resource for medical students and residents on frozen sections, gross pathology, and autopsy procedures.
Oversee specimen management, storage, and disposal procedures.
Oversee inventory control for the gross room and autopsy services, ensure adequate instruments and disposables are available, participate in cost-containment initiatives, and ensure efficient use of supplies and reagents.
Handle specimen or requisition discrepancies and deficiencies; resolve issues with physicians, clinics, or clients and document resolution according to standard operating procedures.
Communicate professionally and effectively with colleagues, faculty, and customers or clients.
Work closely with histology and other anatomic pathology and laboratory subsections to optimize patient care.
Ensure policies and procedures are up to date and maintain readiness for accreditation inspections, including CAP and TJC.
Recommend, implement, and monitor quality improvements, and participate in and lead quality-control initiatives within Anatomic Pathology.