Company Overview
MD Pathology is a full-service anatomic pathology laboratory that has been providing pathology and laboratory medicine services to the Dallas/ Fort Worth area since 1990. Our staff is comprised of 10 board certified and subspecialty fellowship trained pathologists with expertise in surgical pathology, cytopathology, gastro-intestinal pathology, breast pathology, and hematopathology.
Job Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Pathology Assistant to join our laboratory team. Available shifts are Monday - Friday 10:30 am - 7:00 pm or Monday - Friday 2:00 pm - 10:30 pm. We offer a full benefits package with health benefits paid at 100% for the employee. An annual continuing education allowance is also provided. PA(ASCP) certification is required. Minimum of three years' experience preferred, but recent graduates of NAACLS-accredited Pathologists' Assistant programs are welcome to apply.
Duties
Under the general direction of a pathologist or designee, assists in all aspects of anatomic pathology grossing and preparing specimens for histological examination.
TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Dissect and dictate gross surgical specimens; select tissue samples for various types of analysis (e.g. paraffin blocks, flow cytometry, tissue culture, immunofluorescence, etc.); review dictations for accuracy.
- Ensures block labeling, block counts, and processing of grossed samples are exact and any discrepancies are addressed and communicated to leadership promptly.
- Ensures samples received are handled according to policy and assists gross room staff with sample handling questions.
- Attend specified committee meetings relating to pathology quality assurance.
- Field telephone calls from hospital staff and clients (i.e. private lab cases) with questions regarding specimens and general pathology procedures.
- Prepare/oversee photographic record of surgical specimens for documentation purposes, as well as use in conferences and publications.
- Assist in preparation of frozen sections and cytology slides (touch preps, smears, and specimen fine needle aspirations) for Pathologist’s interpretation, as needed.
- Oversee anatomic pathology records, cross-indexes and retrieve data via computer.
- Maintains a clean and decluttered grossing workstation.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Communicate inventory needs of gross room and frozen section laboratory supplies on a timely basis.
- Assess equipment needs with leadership. Ensure that all equipment is adequately maintained and necessary repairs are made on a timely basis. Train gross room staff in proper use.
- Ensure supplies, equipment, and human resources are used properly and economically.
- Facilitate communications so operational issues are addressed on a timely basis. If necessary, conduct regular meetings to inform gross room staff of policy changes, discuss areas of concern, and provide in-service training; record results of meetings. Identify areas of conflict or concern to supervisor and suggest resolutions.
- Assist in preparations for CAP inspections and participates in self-inspections during the year between official inspections.
- Perform, maintain, and communicate CAP Cancer Summaries.
- Be responsible for ensuring gross room and frozen section laboratories are free of deficiencies on CAP checklists; prepare responses to deficiencies from on-site inspections for review by leadership.
- Implement and monitor compliance with practice policy and procedures for gross room and frozen section laboratories.
- In conjunction with leadership, develop/review/update policies and procedures pertaining to gross room and frozen section laboratories and present to leadership. All gross room and frozen section laboratory procedures should be updated as soon as feasible, but at least annually.
- Ensure all safety and regulatory plans are maintained in the gross room and frozen section room, and train employees on standards.
- Provide leadership with feedback in evaluating gross room staff.
- Ensure adequate gross room staff coverage in the absence of other PA's.
- Assist with employee orientation and training for all new Gross Room staff.
- Become familiar with and assist with accessioning, cytologies, and other Path Tech duties as required.
INTERACTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Make suggestions to leadership for improving gross room and frozen section room in quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.
- Always present a positive and professional manner to other professionals and office staff.
- Maintain patient confidentiality 100% of the time, demonstrates complete discretion when discussing patient information.
- Comply with established office policies and procedures.
- Maintain a good attendance record.
- Maintain an organized and clean gross room and frozen section room.
- Remain flexible and committed to being a team player.
- Demonstrates willingness in taking on additional tasks as necessary. Perform all other duties as assigned by leadership.
SKILLS REQUIRED:
Organizational skills and supervisory abilities are necessary. Analytical skills to describe surgical specimens. Knowledge and manual dexterity skills to perform specimen grossing. Knowledge of supervisory principals to oversee the work of other gross room staff. Knowledge of safety requirements to provide instructions and to recognize and correct hazardous conditions. Skill in maintaining effective working relationships with office, medical staff, and public. Ability to read and understand oral and written instructions. Ability to follow written protocols. Ability to work independently. Ability to communicate clearly.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
Anatomic pathology laboratory environment. Work may be stressful at times. Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time. Must be able to stoop, bend, and stretch. Occasional heavy lifting required, up to 50 pounds. Exposure to potentially infectious agents, various odors, patient specimens (body fluids, tissues, etc.) chemical fumes, biohazards, pathogens and other agents. Vision and hearing must be correctable to within normal range.
MINIMUM LEVEL OF PREPARATION AND TRAINING REQUIRED FOR THE JOB:
- Graduate of a Baccalaureate or Masters Pathologists’ Assistant program from an NCCLS accredited institution and PA(ASCP) certification required.
Pay: From $99,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
License/Certification:
- PA (ASCP) Certification or eligible within 3 months? (Required)
Work Location: In person
