Why UConn Health
UConn Health is a vibrant, integrated academic medical center that is entering an era of unprecedented growth in all three areas of its mission: academics, research, and clinical care. A commitment to human health and well-being has been of utmost importance to UConn Health since the founding of the University of Connecticut schools of Medicine and Dental Medicine in 1961. Based on a strong foundation of groundbreaking research, first-rate education, and quality clinical care, we have expanded our medical missions over the decades. In just over 50 years, UConn Health has evolved to encompass more research endeavors, to provide more ways to access our superior care, and to innovate both practical medicine and our methods of educating the practitioners of tomorrow.
At UConn Health, this position provides various anatomic pathology services involving autopsies and dissection of surgical specimens; assists with the efficient and effective operations of the laboratory.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the direction and supervision of an Anatomic Pathologist.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
May supervise lower-level employees or students as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
Surgical Pathology:
Dissects surgical specimens and describes gross anatomic features; selects and submits tissue for histologic processing and special studies.
Assures appropriate specimen accessioning.
Obtains pertinent clinical information and studies.
Obtains and submits specimens for additional analytic procedures such as tumor repository, immune histochemical staining, flow cytometry, image analysis, bacterial cultures, toxicology, etc.
Performs special procedures including faxitron imaging and tumor triage; obtains clinical history including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc.
Photographs gross and microscopic specimens and performs photomicrography.
Autopsy Pathology:
Performs gross postmortem examinations, which include external examination, in situ organ inspection, evisceration, dissection and dictation or recording of data such as organ weights, presence of body fluids, etc.
Ascertains proper legal authorization for autopsy.
Obtains and reviews the patient's chart and other pertinent clinical data and studies.
Notifies involved personnel of all special procedures and techniques required.
Coordinates special request for specimens e.g. organ transplantation, research, etc.
Notifies involved clinicians, appropriate authorities and individuals.
Participates in the completion of autopsy reports by gathering and organizing clinical information pertinent to the preparation of the preliminary summarization of the clinical history.
Photographs gross and microscopic specimens and performs photomicrography.
Prepares the body for release (including indicating the presence of biohazard such as contagious disease, radiation implants, etc.) and releases the body to the appropriate mortuary or funeral home representative.
Administrative:
Assists in the organization of anatomic pathology conferences.
Performs duties relating to the administrative maintenance of pathology protocols, reports and data, including electronic records, filing of reports, protocols, photographic and microscopic slides.
Assists in preparation of accreditation inspections.
Assures the completion of specimen coding and billing.
Assures proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.
Performs duties relative to teaching, administrative, supervisory and budgetary as may be assigned.
Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:
Considerable knowledge of pathology (general, systemic, surgical, clinical and autopsy), lab management, physiology, structure and function.
Good interpersonal and organization skills.
Excellent computer skills.
Ability to communicate effectively, oral and written.
Ability to analyze and correlate data from various sources.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
General Experience:
Certification as a Pathologists' Assistant (PA) by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Must maintain certification during employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Exposure to disagreeable odors, infectious materials, radioactive, toxic and other hazardous substances. Visual strain due to prolonged/extended close examination of specimens and use of a microscope (light or fluorescence). Prolonged periods of standing and walking. Ability to lift at least 50 lbs., bend and reach with frequency and move bodies as necessary.
SCHEDULE: This position is per diem. You must be available for various shifts and times.
