Pathologists' Assistant

Overview:
Under the direct supervision of a pathologist, performs or assists in dissection, evisceration, description, autopsy, and histologic sampling of autopsies, external examinations, and limited examinations. Documents postmortem examination findings in reports and provides reports to the attending physician on the day of the examination. Assists faculty in the supervision and training of medical students and fellows in pathology. Communicates with families after postmortem examinations. Assists with maintenance of NAME Accreditation.

Responsibilities:
Before the autopsy:Assure proper autopsy authorization, permission, and release of body documents.Review the patients medical record including imaging studies and laboratory results, etc.Discuss with the attending pathologist(s) to identify any special techniques and procedures to be used in the completion of the postmortem examination (e.g., tissue for microbial cultivation, histochemistry, molecular analysis, microarray, PCR analysis, toxicological, or viral studies, etc.).Coordinate any requests for special specimen sampling (e.g., organ and tissue procurement for transplantation, research, etc.). Autopsy performance:Perform postmortem examinations including:External examinationIn situ organ inspectionEviscerationDissection and Dictation or recording of data including organ weights, measurements, presence and quantitation of body fluids, and macroscopic anatomic findings.Selection, preparation, and submission of appropriate and ample blood and tissue samples for:Permanent sections.Microbial cultivation.Cytogenetic analysis.ToxicologyDecalcificationMetabolic studies.Perform special procedures including:Obtaining blood/body fluids for clinical pathological testing.Bone marrow sampling.Spinal cord removal.Long bone removal.Coronary artery perfusion.CNS perfusion.Orbital enucleation.Temporal bone removal.Sample collection for research.ImagingPhotomacrography of the body, internal organs, lesions, and other pertinent findings and external or internal identification markings.Preparation of draft reports for the supervising pathologist on day of postmortem examination:Autopsy findings.Macroscopic description.Assist with preparation of the final summary/clinical pathological correlation.For hospital autopsies, prepare the preliminary report. Participate in the education of medical students, forensic autopsy technicians, and fellows in evisceration techniques and death investigation.Conduct medical research under direction under direction of forensic pathologist or anthropologist.Contributes to and manages special projects or events, as required. Ability to prioritize assignments and meet assigned deadlines.Ability to work weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.Participates and prepares the department for NAME Accreditation. Assist with writing, maintaining, and updating policies and procedures.All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Masters degree from a NAACLS accredited Pathologists Assistant training program.ASCP certification is required.Prior experience preferred.Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, document management, and other software as required by the Department of Pathology.Knowledge and proficiency in grammar and spelling skills.High level of emotional intelligence to effectively communicate with others verbally and in writing.LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS: Certification as a Pathologist Assistant by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) required.Maintenance of certification required every 3 years by the ASCP.OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Working knowledge of NAME Autopsy performance standards and NAME Accreditation requirements.Excellent interpersonal skills required for communicating with clinicians, pathologists, and department staff.Knowledge of when to consult with attending pathologist for assistance on a given case.Comfortable communicating with family members of recently deceased individuals.Leadership skills desirable.Strong organizational skills. Strong time-management skills. Discretion, compassion and exemplary attention to detail.Ability to interpret, comprehend, and transmit complicated and detailed instructions accurately.About Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of MedicineWestern Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) is an exciting environment to pursue and academic career. The medical school is a collaboration of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two teaching health systems, Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare. The medical school is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income. Building upon the $100 million foundational gift in 2011, WMed received a philanthropic commitment of $300 million to support the mission of the medical school in June 2021. WMed contributed to the creation of 1,600 new jobs and an economic impact of $353 million in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties in 2020.WMed is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Higher Learning Commission. WMed offers a comprehensive, innovative four-year Doctor of Medicine degree program and two Master of Science degree programs in Biomedical Sciences and Medical Engineering. There are more than 200 residents and fellows in 10 residencies and five fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. To support its mission to educate and inspire lifelong learners, WMed has Joint Accreditation for interprofessional continuing education, which incorporates accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. WMed Health is the clinical practice of the medical school with more than 300 providers offering comprehensive primary care and specialty services in several locations throughout Kalamazoo, Portage, and Battle Creek. The Department of Pathology faculty serve as the Office of the Medical Examiner for counties throughout Michigan and northern Indiana. The W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus located in downtown Kalamazoo serves as the primary educational facility with faculty and administrative offices, student study and social spaces, team-based learning halls, a state-of-the-art Simulation Center accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, basic science research labs, as well as toxicology and forensic pathology labs. WMed is building upon Kalamazoos century-long foundation of drug discovery and medical device development with a strategic investment in clinical, laboratory, community, and educational research. The Center for Immunobiology, Center for Clinical Research, WMed ForenTox, Research Histology Lab, Innovation Center, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Human Research Protection Program contribute to the medical schools advancement of knowledge through innovation and discovery.Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer of females, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans, and actively strives to increase diversity within its community. We provide a drug- and tobacco-free workplace.EEO Minorities/Women/Disabled/Protected Veterans.