Pathologists: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Diseases and abnormalities can be diagnosed by analyzing tissue specimens which are conducted by the pathologists. Pathologists have subspecialties which specialize in studying tissue specimen of particular body parts. Some subspecialties in this field are cardiovascular pathology, cytopathology, dermatopathology, environmental pathology, gastrointestinal pathology, pediatric pathology, renal pathology, ophthalmic pathology, pulmonary pathology and hematopathology.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
Medical courses like Pathology would require an applicant to have a strong background in Science classes which include Physics, Chemistry and Biology. English courses should also be taken to enhance communication and writing skills. In order to work as a pathologist, an applicant must obtain a Medical Degree (MD) first. That is normally completed in four years. Choosing the applicant’s field of specialization, in this case pathology, will start the residency program. Students may choose if they will pursue Analytical Pathology (AP) or Clinical Pathology (CP). Most students would practice both fields. Residency is usually for five years. Pathologists should be licensed before they can start practicing. All physicians are required to have a license. Pathology certification can be obtained from The American Board of Pathology.
Skills and Abilities
Pathologists should have visual skills which are used in using instruments needed in the profession like the microscopes. They also need to know how to concentrate and focus when analyzing tissues. Most of the patients are anxious and fearful which add stress to the doctor.
To prevent this, they need to have a good communication skills to be able to explain clearly to the patient the cause of the problem if needed. They can also suggest to the physician different methods that can be used for treatment. To be successful in this field, the applicant should have an interest in studying new methods, technologies and equipment that can be used in testing and analyzing tissues.
Duties
Physicians are dependent on the medical tests that will be performed by the pathologist in diagnosing the patients disease. Pathologists should be aware of early stages of the disease. Their main duty is to examine and analyze the patients tissue for disease and abnormalities. They examine bone marrow, tissues, blood, tumors and urine of patients. They use different techniques to know the location of the infection and the nature of the infection. They work with physicians to come up with best treatment for the patient. Pathologists can also explain to the patient the details of their analysis so that patient will understand more about their health problems.
Earnings and Job Outlook
Factors that affect the salary of a pathologist are region of practice, years of experience, reputation and geographical location. Their earnings can range from $170,942 up to 248,541. It is estimated that their average income is $213,534. Development in medical test and the increase in number of diseases create job opportunities for pathologists.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 502 Date: Sat, 6 Nov 2010 Time: 1:19 PM
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