Pathologists' Assistant - Full Time

We're offering a generous sign-on bonus ($10,000) to welcome you to our team. Recognizing and valuing exceptional talent, we're eager to discuss the exciting details of this bonus during our interview process.

Acting quite independently under the supervision of the Anatomic Pathology Operations Manager, the Pathologists' Assistant performs a wide variety of tasks in processing of the full range of human surgical pathology specimens. This includes gross description and dissection, submitting appropriate diagnostic sections, and when necessary review of the case at sign-out with a pathologist. Provides instruction on gross anatomy, appropriate specimen orientation, tissue selection, cryotomy, and staining for stat intraoperative diagnosis by the pathologist.

• Organization of Grossing Room workflow and redirects focus of, residents, grossing technicians and other technical staff as needed.

• Monitors the intake of surgical specimens from the O.R.s and ensures specimens are appropriately assigned to staff.

• Coordinates PA and technical staff schedules to ensure adequate weekday coverage in both the grossing room and cytology prep room.

• Performs gross description and dissection (full range of surgical pathology specimens Levels 1-5), submits appropriate diagnostic sections, and reviews cases at sign-out with a pathologist when necessary; provides instruction on gross anatomy, appropriate specimen orientation, tissue selection, cryotomy, and staining for stat intraoperative diagnosis by the pathologist.

• Provides formal instruction for Grossing Technicians and/or residents in surgical pathology technique; orients and trains in Pathology Gross Room procedures.

• Contributes to PA staff competency assessments.

• Demonstrates astute clinical judgment when handling patient material and reports.

• Maintains diagnostic viability of specimens. Ensures correct patient labeling of all materials received. Ensures that requests for service by clinicians meets regulatory standards set by JC, CAP, and other agencies.

• Assists in frozen section examination; cuts and stains tissue to be examined by the pathologists.

• Photograph and x-ray specimens as needed for diagnostic study, research and clinical studies.

• Appropriately triages tissue for different types of fixation or special studies.

• Assist in proper acquisition of tissue from specimens for departmental or inter-departmental purposes such as clinical studies, teaching, and research.

• Assist in preparation of case materials or photographic material for research, conferences or special studies.

• Enter data of patient medical record information into computer, assign surgical pathology accession numbers, edit and confirm patient charge information, using laboratory information system.

• Load and activate program of tissue processors, as needed.

• Assist in keeping work area clean, organized, and in compliance with all safety regulations.

• Assists the Manager in assuring the Grossing Room is prepared for inspections by The Joint Commission, CAP or other regulatory agencies.

• Acts an on-site resource for supply and/ or service issues.

• Troubleshoot QA/QI problems that arise dealing with mislabeling of specimens, specimens missing in processing, etc., working with senior staff and other departmental personnel as necessary, as well as other clinical staff in the hospital.

• Extensive knowledge of the basic sciences, especially anatomy.

• Extensive comprehension of medical terminology; ability to summarize complex clinical data.

• Good working knowledge of histologic procedures.

• Must possess excellent dissection technical skills.

• Ability to perform frozen sections.

• Strong interpersonal skills and discerning judgment; interacts frequently with a range of interdepartmental hospital staff

• Ability to function independently and possesses strong organizational skills

• Familiarity with basic computer programs for data entry, searching for clinical information, case identification and retrieval.

• Ability to train and develop staff.

• Exposure to biohazardous and radioactive materials.

• Exposure to formaldehyde and other hazardous chemicals/fixatives; highly infectious and dangerous organisms; noxious, unpleasant fumes.

• Frequent use of scalpels, razors and other sharp instruments. Risk is minimal when proper protocols and procedures are observed.

• Environment may include moving equipment parts and have background noise levels.

• May require lifting up to 50lbs or greater.

About Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital

Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, an affiliate of Mass General Brigham, is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve. At Mass General Brigham, we believe in equal access to quality care, employment and advancement opportunities encompassing the full spectrum of human diversity: race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other forms of human presence and expression that make us better able to provide innovative and cutting-edge healthcare and research.

Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital is a 171- bed non-profit, community teaching hospital located in Jamaica Plain directly across the street from the Arnold Arboretum. Founded in 1900, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital offers comprehensive care in a wide variety of specialties. Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital is a designated Magnet hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, a recognition that fewer than nine percent of all US hospitals receive.

At Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, we believe that everyone should have the chance to live a healthy life. From creating breakthroughs that have paved the way for treatments around the globe to training the next generation of providers, our patients, and those we may never meet, are at the center of everything we do. If you're looking for more than a career, join Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital. Our patients call it better care. Our employees call it home.

• Master's Degree from NAACLS accredited program required.
• AAPA approved Pathologists' Assistant Training Program.
• PA(ASCP) certification required. Recent graduates must obtain PA(ASCP) certification within 1 calendar year from date of training program completion.
• 1-2 years' experience preferred.