Certified Pathologist Assistant

Performs gross pathology examinations and dissections of dermatologic specimens. Evaluates tissue and determines appropriate sections needed for diagnosis. Grosses tissue from Mohs surgeries and produces sections and stains for evaluation by the surgeon. Assists with maintaining the regulatory compliance of the laboratory. Job Duties:

• Dissects various dermatopathology specimens to prepare for histologic processing and staining.

• Dictates preliminary gross anatomic pathology reports for review by pathologist by describing gross anatomic features via voice recognition or dictating system.

• Grosses, inks, sections, and stains tissue obtained during Mohs micrographic surgery to prepare for diagnosis by the surgeon. Collaborates well and communicates clearly with the Mohs surgeon.

• Confers with the pathologist(s) to identify any special dissection techniques or processing protocols required.

• Loads cassettes in tissue processors and selects correct cycle appropriate to tissue type.

• Ensures the accurate collection, ordering, accessioning, and labeling of specimens.

• Consults clinical history, including photographs and laboratory data, to assist with providing an accurate grossing description.

• Implements and monitors quality assurance and lab safety procedures. Identifies and troubleshoots errors, documenting any corrective actions and conducting root-cause analyses when necessary.

• Assists laboratory leadership with maintaining regulatory compliance. Revises current SOPs and writes new ones to facilitate proper lab operations and regulatory compliance.

• Ensures proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the lab.

• Instructs residents, trainees, and new employees on dissection procedures as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree - REQUIRED

• 1-2 years of job-related experience - REQUIRED

• 1-2 years of formal training in a histopathology laboratory - REQUIRED

• ASCP Certification - Pathologists' Assistant (ASCP-PA) - REQUIRED

Hours/Location

• Dayshift - Monday through Friday

• MedStar Dermatology at Chevy Chase (Monday, Wednesday)

• MedStar Washington Hospital Center (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)