Sr. Pathologists' Assistant - UPMC Harrisburg

Job Description

The Sr. Pathologists' Assistant position offers up to a $20,000 sign-on bonus

Candidates can be considered and hired into the Sr. or regular PA level depending on the qualifications met for either role.

Purpose :

Under the general direction of the Manager or Supervisor and the applicable Medical Director, oversees and also performs the activities of the pathology assistants in the evaluation, examination, description, dissection, and sectioning of the gross tissue in both surgical and autopsy pathology for the microscopic evaluation and review by the pathologists. Serves as an assistant to Pathology Fellows and Residents in their training in gross surgical and autopsy pathology, and are accountable to the Pathologists on medical issues. Performs various auxiliary functions such as photography and specimen radiology, and performs various training, supervisory and administrative functions.

Responsibilities :

• Perform the proper operation, repair and replacement, and preventative maintenance of area equipment and tools. Maintains record logs for the equipment.
• Assist manager or Supervisor with administrative functions as they relate to the Pathologists' Assistant portion of the department including assisting with development of quality assurance monitors, quality control monitors, data gathering and preparations of QA report, input for performance reviews, budget preparation and monitoring, regulatory compliance and continuing education and training.
• Oversee the proper handling, storage and disposition of all surgical and autopsy tissue while adhering to the regulatory and compliance standards regarding biohazard and safety.
• Ensure that tests are prepared properly at all stages from specimen collection through results reporting and performs additional special handling of the specimens if necessary or requested (i.e. radiography, photography, special fixation, cultures and tissue procurement).
• Competent at operating the Laboratory Information System and Medical Archival Retrieval System relative to the functions of the pathology assistants' team.
• Perform special projects such as research protocols when required.
• Perform duties according to the policies and procedures of the Pathology Department and Hospital including compliance and confidentiality. Remain abreast of policies, regulations, guidelines, techniques, procedures and methodologies in anatomic and autopsy pathology.
• Provide independent technical leadership, consulting with the Manager or Supervisor on unusual and complex cases, such as oncology cases where the tumor has spread into other organs, cancers that extend into surrounding structures, autopsies on complicated cases, and initial intraoperative examination and tissue banking for uncommon specimens of interest to research such as wide section melanomas and thoracic biopsies. Provides ongoing training and orientation to the pathology assistant team members.
• Examine and prepare surgical pathology cases for microscopic evaluation by providing gross description, dissection and sections of each case as defined by the Surgical Pathology Manual while maintaining accurate records of all activities.
• Adhere to all safety standards, policies and procedures related to the handling and disposal of specimens. Comply with standard precaution procedures.
• Participate in and performs frozen sections, intraoperative consultations, autopsies and prenatal procedures. File and retrieve surgical and autopsy materials and maintains accurate records of all such activities.
• Continually provides and participates in on-the-job training conferences, seminars and continuing education to ensure competence and awareness of most recent technology and advances in the field. Participate in competency evaluation of pathologist's assistant team members for skill and task assessment.
• Graduate of a NAACLS accredited, Master's degree pathologist's assistant training program, or Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or Medical Technology or a related field and 5 years clinical experience in Anatomic or Clinical Pathology is required.
• Analytical and technical ability necessary to independently evaluate patient specimens and clinical data to appropriate sample tissue relevant to diagnostic evaluation and recognize organ and tissue anomalies.
• Interpersonal and communication skills necessary to orient and train staff as well as provide educational experiences to team members, fellows, residents and students.
• All procedures or job related tasks involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues.
• A potential for spills or splashes of biohazard substances does exist.
• Exposure to normal laboratory lights and noises and occasional exposure to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances :

ASCP required within 12 months of hire.

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran