Pathologist assistants (PAs) are highly-trained medical professionals who work under the supervision of the pathologist. A pathology assistant is essential to helping make a pathologic diagnosis; however, it is the responsibility of the pathologist to render the diagnosis.
Most pathologists’ assistants are tasked with dissecting anatomic pathology specimens, gross examination and performing postmortem examinations. The PA interacts with a pathologist in much the same way that a physician's assistant interacts with a physician.
History of the Pathologist Assistant Profession
In 1966, Dr. Eugene Stead of Duke University established the first physician assistant program: Then, in 1969, Dr. Thomas Kinney, who was the Chairman of Pathology at Duke …show more content…
In the 1990s, there were only four programs available, nationwide. Once the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) started to accredit pathologist assistant programs, the number of programs available across the country began to rise. Furthermore, these programs started transitioning from bachelor to master degree programs.
Initially, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) offered a fellowship status to potential pathology assistants. To become eligible, the applicant had to pass a rigorous exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, the individual was permitted to start the program-trained pathologists’ assistant program or an on-the-job trained PA program: Both of which were offered by the AAPA. However, the on-the-job trained route it no longer available as it was discontinued in …show more content…
By requiring pathologist assistants to participate in CME programs every three years, the changes occurring in the field of pathology are realized by ASCP-certified pathology assistants and can be implemented in the laboratory.
Job Duties
A PA is qualified to perform all the same functions as a pathologist, that is, except for providing a pathological diagnosis.
The duties of a pathologists’ assistant vary and can include:
• Photographing microscopic and gross specimens.
• Preparing tissue for various pathological tests, including frozen section.
• Assisting with the training of pathology personnel: This includes pathology residents.
• Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and flow cytometry.
• Preparing educational conference materials for the pathologist.
• Procuring samples to be used for biospecimen banking.
A pathology assistant may also take on administrative, supervisory and instructional roles.
Where PAs
Most pathologists’ assistants are tasked with dissecting anatomic pathology specimens, gross examination and performing postmortem examinations. The PA interacts with a pathologist in much the same way that a physician's assistant interacts with a physician.
History of the Pathologist Assistant Profession
In 1966, Dr. Eugene Stead of Duke University established the first physician assistant program: Then, in 1969, Dr. Thomas Kinney, who was the Chairman of Pathology at Duke …show more content…
In the 1990s, there were only four programs available, nationwide. Once the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) started to accredit pathologist assistant programs, the number of programs available across the country began to rise. Furthermore, these programs started transitioning from bachelor to master degree programs.
Initially, the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) offered a fellowship status to potential pathology assistants. To become eligible, the applicant had to pass a rigorous exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, the individual was permitted to start the program-trained pathologists’ assistant program or an on-the-job trained PA program: Both of which were offered by the AAPA. However, the on-the-job trained route it no longer available as it was discontinued in …show more content…
By requiring pathologist assistants to participate in CME programs every three years, the changes occurring in the field of pathology are realized by ASCP-certified pathology assistants and can be implemented in the laboratory.
Job Duties
A PA is qualified to perform all the same functions as a pathologist, that is, except for providing a pathological diagnosis.
The duties of a pathologists’ assistant vary and can include:
• Photographing microscopic and gross specimens.
• Preparing tissue for various pathological tests, including frozen section.
• Assisting with the training of pathology personnel: This includes pathology residents.
• Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and flow cytometry.
• Preparing educational conference materials for the pathologist.
• Procuring samples to be used for biospecimen banking.
A pathology assistant may also take on administrative, supervisory and instructional roles.
Where PAs