Pathologists are highly trained physicians who primarily study the nature, effects and causes of disease. Performing most of their work in laboratories, Pathologists analyse fluids and tissue samples to determine and identify the nature of any diseases present. They then generate reports for the primary care physician detailing their process and findings, indicating probabilities and possibilities, and outlining suggested treatments.
   
Pathologists identify the cause and processes of disease and illness by examining changes in body tissue and in blood and other body fluids, and conduct tests on samples of tissues, blood and body secretions. Pathologists are experts in the nature, causes and processes of diseases. Over 70% of all diagnoses involve pathology tests. Pathologists provide the evidence to diagnose cancers, infectious diseases and diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Pathologists play an important role in blood transfusion services as well as solving tough cases using tissue testing including blood, body secretions and tissue samples to determine the cause of illness or death.
   
ANZSCO ID: 253915

Specialisations: Clinical Cytopathologist, Forensic Pathologist, Immunologist (separate page)
    
Knowledge, skills and attributes

A Pathologist is essentially a medical detective, so you will need to be open-minded and good at pattern recognition in order to think outside the box and make the deductions required to identify different diseases and causes of death. Pathologists are methodical and meticulous but must also be good at communicating their findings to other physicians and medical professionals. They need to be able to integrate clinical data with laboratory studies and have an analytical approach to problem-solving. To be a successful Pathologist you will also need to be tech-savvy, as the majority of your work will involve complex lab equipment.

• demonstrate and maintain competence

• be respectful of patients

• treat specimens respectfully

• foster constructive collegiality and teamwork within the laboratory

• be part of the medical team looking after patients

• provide accurate and timely results

• be professional in their approach

• be involved in appropriate accreditation and quality activities

• provide value for public and private expenditure.

• attention to detail.

• good verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

• methodical and meticulous worker.

• open-minded and enthusiastic approach to problem solving.

• ability to recognise visual patterns.

• desire to maintain up-to-date knowledge of current research and techniques.

Pathologist at work
(Source: CareerFAQS)

Duties and Tasks

• Conducts tests on body samples to determine nature, stage of development, possible source of illness and determine health of patients.

• Studies effects of selected drugs on diseased organisms to find effective methods for treating specific patients.

• Consults with primary physicians to diagnose and treat conditions.

• Performs autopsies to identify cause of death and disease progression.

• May apply scientific knowledge and skills to investigate crimes by analysis physical and biological evidence.

• Documents and records findings and conclusions.

Working conditions
   
Pathologists work in laboratories predominately in large public or private practices, or in public and private hospitals. They are exposed to most aspects of medical practice however may not be directly involved in patient care. Pathology is very much a team effort with pathologists working very closely with scientists, laboratory technicians and other medical specialists. In general, all disciplines of pathology provide a good work/life balance with the option of part time work and flexible working hours.

Working conditions are usually comfortable however pathologists may sometimes deal with unpleasant conditions due to a patient's infection or illness. Maintaining strict hygiene practices is important.

Tools and technologies

Pathologists use tools for viewing, cutting, embedding and sectioning and aspirating specimens to diagnose disease. Overall laboratories are highly technical workspaces with elaborate instruments and computer technologies which need to be managed by the pathologist.


Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a pathologist, you must first become a qualified medical practitioner and then specialise in pathology. To become a medical practitioner, you need to study a degree in medicine. Alternatively, you can study a degree in any discipline followed by a postgraduate degree in medicine.

To specialise in pathology, doctors can apply to the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) to undertake further training and ultimately receive fellowship. To be eligible for this specialist training, on completion of your medical degree, you must work in the public hospital system for a minimum of two years (internship and residency). Or after you have become a doctor, you then spend a minimum of 5 years training with an accredited pathologist as well as completing a number of assessments and exams.

Required registration and licensing
  
To work as a pathologist in Australia, you will need to obtain registration from the Medical Board of Australia.

Forensic pathology is the subspecialty of pathology that focuses on medico-legal investigations of sudden or unexpected death. Forensic pathologists are specialist medical doctors who have had advanced training in human anatomy, pathology and performing autopsies on people who die of trauma or injury. Only a small percentage of all pathologists are forensic pathologists.
    
Another major aspect of the work of a Forensic Pathologist is post-mortem examination and diagnosis, otherwise known as autopsy. Pathologists are responsible for analysing and inspecting deceased patients or victims to identify if any disease is present, determine the cause of death and reveal other pertinent medical information. An autopsy might, for example, conclude that a patient was killed by a particular object, that they suffered from a disease or condition or that external factors such as drugs or poison contributed to death.
    
Forensic pathologists have a critical and pivotal role in death investigation, examining the body of the deceased to define the cause of death, factors contributing to death and to assist with the reconstruction of the circumstances in which the death occurred. A forensic pathologist is primarily involved in identifying causes of death and reconstructing the circumstances by which they occurred. A major component of the role involves performing autopsy investigations. Forensic pathologists are required to visit crime scenes and accidents, provide expert evidence, and testify in courts.
   
As with all medical consultations the diagnostic process involves the forensic pathologist integrating evidence from the deceased’s medical history, the supposed circumstances surrounding the death, the findings of post-mortem medical examination (autopsy) and the results of laboratory investigations undertaken as part of the autopsy. A post-mortem examination typically involves careful examination and documentation of the appearances of the body of the deceased and dissection of internal organs and structures.

The forensic pathologist is taking a picture of the heart using Google Glass (left).
The original image taken with the device allows viewers a first-person perspective of the structure (right).
(Source: Research Gate)

ANZSCO ID: 253915

Alternative names: Medical Examiner

Knowledge, skills and attributes  

A sound knowledge of normal anatomical findings and variants as well as anatomical pathology (including normal histological appearances and variants) is essential, particularly as microscopic assessment of body tissues is often needed to enable a precise diagnosis.      

A forensic pathologist needs:

• excellent standards of written and spoken English

• broad medical experience,

• sound knowledge in anatomical pathology

• good communication and interpersonal skills

• a methodical and analytical approach

• ability to practise as part of a team as well as autonomously

• a high level of self-motivation

• ability to formulate and articulate well-balanced views

• patience (as it is often slow, painstaking work)

• emotional stability

• an understanding of aspects of bereavement

• enjoyment of the scientific basis of medicine

• teaching skills

• an inquiring mind, to initiate ethical research   

Also,

• have a sophisticated understanding and perspective of forensic pathology and its role in death investigation;

• be able to independently examine and report macroscopic and microscopic findings at post mortem examination of all types of coroners’ cases;

• be able to integrate subjective (i.e., history) and objective (i.e., post-mortem findings and laboratory investigation results) information about cases, to provide a well-balanced opinion to courts, coroners and authorised investigators;

• be able to clearly distinguish observation of fact from interpretation and opinion;

• have sound knowledge of the legislative basis and ethical issues of forensic medical practice, being an effective advocate on behalf of the deceased;

• be able to liaise with other medical and scientific specialists, with a clear understanding of their expertise;

• understand, and regularly reflect upon, the limitations of forensic medical practice;

• understand and promote the value of post-mortem examination of the deceased in the provision of quality health care;

• have a working knowledge of mortuary and laboratory management, particularly recognising and advocating maintenance of quality and workplace health and safety procedures;

• participate in, and be an advocate for, continuing professional development of all staff;

• participate in teaching trainees in forensic and anatomical pathology.
  

At work
(Source: Dr Howard Oliver)

 

Duties and Tasks

For the most part the forensic pathologists deals with deaths that are natural deaths where the death is sudden and unexpected, or the cause is unknown. It is their job to determine the medical cause of death, and sometimes determine manner of death. They also weigh and take samples of body tissue and organs and analyse them and then report back the results and findings of the tests to the Coroner.

• Performing coronial autopsies, preparing reports for the Coroner and testifying in court (travel may be required).

• Attending death scenes to contribute to the investigation of the death.

• Aiding in the identification and preservation and transportation of deceased persons and human remains.

• Actively participating in the coronial death investigation team comprising the State/Territory Coroner, the police and other specialist agencies.

• Adhering to defined service quality standards, health and safety policies and procedures.

• Undertaking clinical audits and quality assurance to review and evaluate test results.

• Contributing to the maintenance and development of autopsy and forensic technical procedures.

• Collaborating with other forensic units (e.g. Forensic Toxicology).

• Participating in on-call and duty rosters.

• Supervising and training registrars and other forensic pathology trainees.

• Participating in continuing education and research activities.

Working conditions

Forensic pathologists work closely with other death investigators including coroners, police and forensic scientists; they may be required to attend scenes of death and are often required to testify in court.

In capital cities a forensic pathologist attached to a state department or institute of forensic medicine performs the autopsy. In country areas a pathologist at a hospital in a large regional centre may perform the autopsy.

   

Education and training/entrance requirements

A mandatory period of two years clinical experience after graduation from medical school is required before commencing forensic pathology training (for example, in accident & emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, paediatrics or adult medicine/surgery/general practice).

A prerequisite to becoming a forensic pathologist is a qualification as a medical practitioner (including internship). Following an internship you should train as a specialist in pathology and undertake further specialist training to become a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (FRCPA). The minimum time for specialist training is five years in a registrar position accredited by the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA).

Current registrars or trainees expecting to attain RCPA Fellowship (or the Diploma of Forensic Pathology) may also be considered for forensic pathology positions.

Forensic technicians work in the mortuary of a department or Institute of forensic medicine. Forensic pathology assistants help forensic pathologists determine cause of death, specimen retrieval and perform clerical duties. A forensic pathology assistant works under the supervision of a forensic pathologist. Assistants aid in the processing, testing and reporting of bodily specimens acquired from an autopsy or crime scene. They may be asked to employ skills based in toxicology, radiology, microbiology, chemistry and even photography in order to help the pathologist discover the cause of an unnatural, suspicious or unknown death of an individual.

ANZSCO ID: 311299

Alternative names: Forensic Pathology Assistant, Mortuary Assistant, Mortuary Attendant, Mortuary Technician, Autopsy Technician,

Knowledge, skills and attributes       

It is strongly recommended that those considering a career as a forensic pathologist assistant h understand the graphic nature of the job. While regular pathology assistants may not encounter cadavers as a result of a brutal trauma, forensic pathologists and assistants deal primarily with crime scene victims and their bodies, in whole and in parts. The first requirement is to be emotionally and physically able handle the demands of the job.    

Forensic pathologist assistants are required to be efficient and effective communicators with fellow laboratory members and the chief pathologist. Assistants must also be able to communicate effectively with people outside the laboratory (funeral directors, crime scene investigators, coroners, etc.) in reference to the autopsy. Assistants are required to pay attention to detail and have strong organizational skills.

 

Duties and Tasks

Forensic pathology assistants are vital to the postmortem medical field. Assistants help the supervising forensic pathologist in determining cause of death and assisting in specimen retrieval, in addition to clerical duties. Since forensic pathologists function as both medical doctors and detectives, an assistant is responsible for a variety of duties. For instance, assistants help in postmortem examination and gather and prepare specimens for testing. Assistants may also be asked to photograph anything from the cadaver and extracted organs to microscopic samples.

In addition to laboratory duties, forensic pathology assistants may also be required to assist in administrative and clerical duties associated with the lab. They may order equipment, keep files, write correspondence, train new assistants and coordinate schedules while also maintaining the mortuary rooms, supplies and equipment. They may also help the forensic pathologist prepare for court if the pathologist is called as an expert witness.

• Forensic technicians assist the forensic pathologist to perform the autopsy,

• Prepare the body for examination.

• Drain the fluids from the body,

• Perform the first incision which typically is a 'Y' incision

• Take all the organs from the body

• Provide mortuary assistance to pathologists including photography, collection, labelling and processing of specimens, specialised dissection, reconstruction and handling of deceased persons

• Handle deceased persons with dignity, care and respect at all times

• Clean autopsy theatres and storage areas to ensure a clean working environment

• Assist in the controlled release and preparation of deceased persons for viewing and identification purposes

• Follow mortuary registration practices accurately

• Undertake continual professional development, quality and workplace health and safety activities

Working conditions

A forensic pathology assistant works under the supervision of a forensic pathologist. This job is physically and emotionally demanding. The position involves regular exposure to deceased persons of all ages, often in all states of disfigurement, decomposition and/or disruption.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

You don't require formal qualifications to be a forensic technician, but there is a Mortuary Science course you can do that will help.

 

A cytopathologist is an anatomic pathologist trained in the diagnosis of human disease by means of the study of cells obtained from body secretions and fluids; by scraping, washing, or sponging the surface of a lesion; or by the aspiration of a tumor mass or body organ with a fine needle. A major aspect of a cytopathologist’s practice is the interpretation of Papanicolaou-stained smears of cells from the female reproductive systems (the “Pap” test). However, the cytopathologist’s expertise is applied to the diagnosis of cells from all systems and areas of the body and in consultation to all medical specialists.

ANZSCO ID: 253915

Alternative names: Clinical Cytopathologist

 

Knowledge, skills and attributes   

Cytopathology is a diagnostic technique that examines cells from various body sites to determine the cause or the nature of disease. The first cytopathology test developed was the Pap test, which has been widely utilized in the last 50 years for screening and diagnosing of cervical cancer and its precursors. The Pap test is considered the most successful screening test in medical history.

Since the development of the Pap test, the practice of cytopathology has expanded to include samples from nearly all body sites. Cell samples are taken for analysis as part of many diagnostic tests such as bronchoscopy or cystoscopy. In addition, nearly any tissue mass can be sampled and diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy. In this procedure, cells are aspirated from masses just below the skin in the doctor’s office or during a radiologic examination. This approach allows diagnosis of a lesion with minimal discomfort to the patient and guides the primary physician in the next steps in patient follow-up.       
   

 

Did You Know?  Cytology is the exam of a single cell type, as often found in fluid specimens. It's mainly used to diagnose or screen for cancer. It's also used to screen for fetal abnormalities, for pap smears, to diagnose infectious organisms, and in other screening and diagnostic areas. The cells to be examined may be taken through the following methods: Scraping or brushing the tissue surface, such as during a pap smear Collecting body fluids, such for urine or respiratory phlegm Fine-needle aspirations. This is removing cells by drawing them through a fine needle, such as abdominal fluid in ascites, pleural fluid from the lungs, or cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal. Other types of tissue biopsy Cytology is different from histology. Cytology generally involves looking at a single cell type. Histology is the exam of an entire block of tissue. (Source: Hopkins Medicine)

 

 

Duties and Tasks

Cytopathologists maintain a patient-centered approach by performing fine needle aspirations with on-site adequacy assessment in collaboration with radiologists and primary care physicians.

Cytopathologists examine cells that have been exfoliated (shed), scraped from the body or aspirated with a fine needle. Cell specimens are processed into slides and examined microscopically for the diagnosis of cancer, precancerous conditions, benign tumors and some infectious conditions. The test results are communicated to the primary physician for medical or surgical treatment and follow-up with patients.

Working conditions

Most cytopathologists work in hospitals or commercial laboratories. With experience, they also may work in private industry or in supervisory, research and teaching positions. Cytopathologists work independently and in close collaboration with a cytotechnologist (when examining cells for indications of disease).
  
Laboratories and medical facilities hire cytopathologists to work full-time, flexible hours during all shifts, including evenings and weekends in some cases, depending on the hours maintained by the facility. Cytopathologists function within a collaborative team environment. They act as the laboratory supervisor for Cytotechnologists and work exclusively within lab environments and are not usually required to travel to perform their normal job duties.
   

Tools and technologies

Cytopathologists regularly work with the following tools and equipment:

• Slides

• Microscopes

• Lab tools (tongs, test tubes)

• Safety equipment (gloves, safety glasses, shoe covers, aprons)

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

Cytopathologists are medical doctors who have completed a four-year pathology residency program; many cytopathologists spend an additional year of training in an approved fellowship program. They are responsible for review and interpretation of cytopathology tests.
    

Employment Opportunities

As new screening and identification techniques for cancer are developed, cytopathologists will continue to play an invaluable role in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

 

 

 

Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Biochemist	Biotechnologist	Coroner	Epidemiologist
Forensic Scientist Crime Scene Technician/Investigator Digital Forensics Examiner	Funeral Director	Haematologist	Hospital Administrator
Immunologist	Judge	Lawyer	Medical Administrator
Medical Laboratory Scientist	Medical Laboratory Technician Blood Bank Technician Cytotechnologist Phlebotomist	Oncologist	Police Officer
Toxicologist	WHS Officer

Job Cluster: Forensic Science

Materials sourced from
Jobs & Skills WA [Pathologist; ]
Australian Museum [Who works at a morgue; ]
Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia [Forensic Pathologists; ]
Queensland Govt-Health [Forensic Pathologist;]
CareerFAQS [How to become a Pathologist in Australia;]
Study [Forensic Pathology Assistant; ]
Freida [Cytopathology;]
Your Career [Pathologist; ] 

 

 

 

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