Diagnose presence and stage of diseases using laboratory techniques and patient specimens. Study the nature, cause, and development of diseases. May perform autopsies.
<ul><li>Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.</li><li>Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.</li><li>Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.</li><li>Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.</li><li>Analyze and interpret results from tests such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).</li><li>Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.</li><li>Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.</li><li>Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.</li><li>Plan and supervise the work of the pathology staff, residents or visiting pathologists.</li><li>Review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.</li><li>Educate physicians, students, and other personnel in medical laboratory professions such as medical technology, cytotechnology, or histotechnology.</li><li>Manage medical laboratories.</li><li>Develop or adopt new tests or instruments to improve diagnosis of diseases.</li></ul>