SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Anatomic Pathology and the Director of Surgical Pathology, prepares surgical and autopsy specimens for microscopic examination which includes gross description and dissection. Oversees the daily operation of the Pathology Surgical Suite ensuring efficient workflow and that policies and procedures are utilized and enforced. 

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Consistently applies the corporate values of respect, honesty and fairness and the constant pursuit of excellence in improving the health status of the people of the region through the provision of customer-friendly, geographically accessible and high-value services within the environment of a comprehensive integrated academic health system.  Is responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the principles of the Lifespan Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct.

Supervises the activities of section staff by training, scheduling, directing and evaluating work activities.  Recommends disciplinary action as appropriate. Participates in the training of Pathology residents and medical students as it relates to autopsy and laboratory procedures/techniques.

Duties consist of properly fixing, cutting, photographing, and sectioning of surgical specimens, including frozen sections and utilization of the laboratory information system.

Assists in the performance of postmortem examinations.

Develops policies and procedures for the assigned section and ensures Section Procedure Manual is appropriately maintained.

Assists in monitoring and inspecting laboratory section for compliance with regulatory standards.

Assists in the preparation and monitoring of budget for assigned section.

Maintains inventory and equipment.

Troubleshoots laboratory equipment and coordinates preventive maintenance schedules.  Participates in the evaluation of new equipment.

Reviews records and reports of daily work and quality control, ensuring all work is efficiently processed and coordinates with other departmental laboratories.

May serve on inter and intradepartmental committees representing services provided by the department and/or assigned section.

Performs other duties as assigned, such as accessioning, billing and coding.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and successful completion of an accredited pathologist’s assistant program.   Pathologist Assistant certification preferred.

Professional knowledge and very high level of analytical ability to perform postmortem and tissue examinations, interpret findings and determine data to be forwarded to pathologist.

Knowledge of anatomic pathology computer system functions.

Ability to conduct gross dissection procedures utilizing surgical instruments.

Interpersonal and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with pathologists, supervise and train medical students and residents, and present and defend case findings at conference.

Interpersonal skills to participate in the training of medical students and residents.

Written communication skills to prepare case summaries and interpretations, and reports of laboratory activities.

Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:

Three to five years of progressively responsible experience as a Pathologists’ Assistant, including demonstrated experience serving in a lead capacity through work direction, training, and guidance to staff

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical abilities to assist in the lifting and positioning of bodies.

Exposed to infectious diseases and odorous chemicals when performing autopsies and working with surgical specimens.  Hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety precautions.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Independently functions within departmental policies and procedures.  Refers complex problems to manager/director when clarification of departmental policies and procedures may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Provides lead oversight and work direction for up to 15 FTEs.

Pay Range:

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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