The Schedule Of An Anatomical Pathologist

The daily duties of an anatomical pathologist, regardless of which laboratory they are working at, is to report on all specimens and samples that are investigated and analyzed by them. This entails that every patient's results are reported as soon as the specialist is done with them. This then allows the referring physician to immediately follow up with these results, query any issues with the anatomical pathologist and give feedback to the patient.

A very important evolution has occurred in anatomical pathology, in that the services that are provided in this discipline have become paramount for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer to guide treatment decision-making in oncology. 

Monday

Administrative tasks are handled on a Monday such as organizing meetings for the week and determining which laboratories they will be working at. These would include the cytology lab, histology lab and genetics lab.

The anatomical pathologist will spend the day investigating specimens macroscopically (gross examination) and under a microscope and electron microscope to look for any pathologies affecting patients. The specialist will be investigating and analyzing specimens from surgical specialties such as breast surgery, gynaecology, endocrine surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, urology, general surgery involving the soft tissues and head and neck surgery, as well as specimens from dermatologists, general practitioners and other non-surgical specialties.

Tuesday 

Most full day surgical lists occur on a Tuesday, and an anatomical pathologist helping to take specimens will be involved here. They will assist referring surgeons by performing procedures such as fine-needle aspirates to help with the diagnosis of a condition.

The anatomical pathologist will also be responsible for setting up protocols for surgical staff to collect specimens in an appropriate manner.

Wednesday

The anatomical pathologist will be working in the histology lab where they will be receiving specimens from medical and surgical disciplines all over the hospital, and they will be responsible for adequately preparing these specimens for analysis.

Immunohistochemistry, as described above, will be another service the anatomic pathologist will provide on this day.

READ Passion, Affluence, Respect: The Real Incentives behind Choosing a Medical Specialty

Thursday

The anatomical pathologist will be involved in the genetic lab where they will be performing tissue cytogenics and consulting with referring physicians such as geneticists and paediatricians. The specialist may also work in the cytology lab to investigate and report on "Pap" smear specimens which are taken to screen for cervical cancer.

The specialist may also be involved in training under- and post-graduate students and doctors if they are involved with the academic programme of the medical school. 

Friday

The specialist will make sure that all laboratory results have been reported and that they have been logged into the laboratory's server so that referring physicians will have access to the results. Any unfinished administrative issues will then be dealt with and the work week will conclude.

Anatomical pathologists are available after hours if there are any physicians who would like to consult with them.