Description
Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Pathologists' Assistant in the Anatomic Pathology department. Pathologists' Assistant performs gross dissection of biopsies and complex surgical tissues for review by pathologist of specimens from hospital, outpatient clinics and outside clients. Assists with resident and medical student teaching and provides clinical oversight for Anatomic Pathology Technicians in the Gross Room, Cytology specimen prep and autopsies. Operating within UChicago Medicine's Department of Pathology, we provide reference laboratory testing to various related and unrelated health care entities, managed care organizations and non-affiliated hospitals, outpatient clinics and private physicians' offices. We offer a full range of diagnostic services.
Job Summary
In consultation with the Anatomical Pathology Manager, the pathologists and the Medical Directors, the Pathologists' Assistant is responsible for the gross pathology dissection, gross description and sampling of biopsies and complex surgical tissue specimens. Sampling and description is performed in accordance to established procedures to aid pathologists in obtaining the diagnosis. The Pathologists' Assistant assists with resident and medical student teaching and may provide oversight of activities in support of basic laboratory operations including intraoperative consultations and autopsy services. The Pathologists' Assistant also performs biobanking duties such as coordinating, obtaining, and documenting tissue specimens to be used for research for the Human Tissue Resource Center (HTRC).
Essential Job Functions
• Prepares and dissects surgical biopsies and large complicated specimens in collaboration with the pathologist. • Prepares specimens for gross digital photography and photographs specimens while maintaining patient identification. • Executes and assists residents with intra-operative consultations. • Provides support and guidance for residents and technicians on autopsy services, such as organ evisceration, brain and spinal cord removal, and organ dissection. • Assists in distributing tissues and organs to approved researchers. Performs technical and clerical tasks related to research projects. • Provides patient-focused care in a clinical setting through the accurate performance of routine and complex tests through the pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic stages. • Trains, assists and guides techs and pathology residents in gross description, dictation and dissection techniques, specimen handling procedures, data entry in the laboratory LIS, and safe use of instruments and equipment in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
• Participates in hiring new staff and provides performance feedback to staff.
• Participates in quality and process improvement efforts. Identifies ways to improve work processes, patient and staff safety. Make recommendations and review SOPs to implements and monitors changes as requested. • Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times. Pre-Analytical • Partners with section supervisor to ensure effective and efficient day-to-day operations of the laboratory department. • Assists with development and implementation of new and revised procedures. • Promote department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication and assists staff, faculty and other health professionals to identify and resolve issues. • Provides coverage in the absence of the section supervisor. • Prioritizes workload based on assignment or established priorities, responds effectively to changes in workflow adjusting work to incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
Required Qualifications
• Minimum of Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. • Graduate of a NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant program (Master's degree) or OJT training with PA (ASCP) certification • Pathologists' Assistant Certification (or eligibility) through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP): PA (ASCP) • Knowledge and understanding of dissection technique, equipment and methodologies. • Knowledge of digital photographic technique and equipment; experience with computer applications. • Ability to interact and communicate professionally with pathologists, pathology residents, other health care professionals, and laboratory colleagues. • Ability to work independently, maintain composure under stress and time deadlines, and exercise sound judgment during stressful situations. • Display leadership qualities including communication skills. • Able to handle large volumes of work within narrow timeframes and remain organized with a precise attention to detail.
Position Details
- Job Type/FTE: PRN (.01)
- Shift: Any shift - As Needed/Pick Up
- Unit/Department: Anatomic Pathology
- CBA Code: Non-Union
Must comply with UCMC's COVID-19 Vaccination requirement as a condition of employment. If you have already received the vaccination, you must provide proof as part of the pre-employment process. This is in addition to your compliance with the Flu Vaccination requirement as well. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law. Lastly, a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check are also required for all employees prior to hire.
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