Pathologists

Pathology offers a number of areas to work and specialize. If you like to work in laboratory settings with a wide range of options in research or developing new tests and new instruments to better diagnose diseases, then choosing career as Pathologist can be right fit for you.

 Most pathologists work in hospital laboratories or in outpatient reference laboratories.  In private practice pathology, the pathologist spends most of his time directing the operation of the laboratory and diagnosing the biopsies from surgical procedures from the day before. In addition, there is corresponding expertise in every area of medicine and surgery. 

Pathology is divided into the following major specialties:

Anatomic pathology deals with the tissue diagnosis.  

Clinical pathology deals with the laboratory test diagnosis.  Most private practice pathologists are board certified in both specialties.

Dermatopathology  deals with skin pathology, hematopathology (bone marrows and clotting disorders)

Hematopathology deals with bone marrows and clotting disorders, transfusion medicine (blood banking and donation of blood products),

Forensic pathology- coroners and medical examiners of the Quincy type, and

Cytopathology- deals with pap smears and fine needle aspirations.

Role of Pathologists

  • Study diseases and conditions of the body.
  •  Diagnose a wide range of diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases and diabetes.
  • Assuring the results that are reported is accurate.
  • Assuring the results are communicated to the rest of the medical staff in a coherent manner.
  • Providing direction and guidance for the laboratory and hospital

Academic Qualifications for Pathologist

A number of medical colleges and universities offer courses in pathology. Most of them generally conduct courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate degree levels. At the plus-two level you must have physics, chemistry and biology and then apply for UG courses. After MBBS, you do MD or DNB – both of three years’ duration – and then become a pathologist

Skills required to be Pathologists

Pathologists need the following characteristics:
  • The intellectual ability required to successfully complete the academic training and keep up to date with new developments in medicine.
  • Emotional strength and maturity.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • An interest in teaching others about new developments.
Pathologists should enjoy finding solutions to problems, using equipment and instruments to perform tasks requiring precision, and directing the work of others.

Scope of Pathology in India

Pathologists can serve as consultants to the physician, consultants to the patient, directors of laboratories, researchers or educators. Pathologists evaluate the extent of the disease, estimate the course it is likely to take, and suggest ways to treat the disease. 

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