Pathologe

Pathologe, in German, refers to a physician who specializes in pathology, the medical discipline concerned with studying disease through analysis of tissues, cells, and laboratory specimens. The field comprises two main branches: anatomical pathology, which examines body tissues and specimens to diagnose diseases, and clinical pathology, which focuses on laboratory testing of blood, body fluids, and other samples to support diagnosis and treatment.

Anatomical pathology includes surgical pathology (evaluation of surgical resections and biopsies), cytopathology (study of cells in smears and fine-needle aspirates), and, in some countries, subspecialties such as neuropathology and forensic pathology. Clinical pathology covers areas such as hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, transfusion medicine, and molecular pathology, often centralized in hospital laboratories. Pathologists use a range of techniques—from gross examination and histology to immunohistochemistry and molecular testing—to identify diseases and guide management.

Key tasks include the gross and microscopic examination of specimens, interpretation of histology and cytology, ordering and interpreting ancillary tests, and performing autopsies in appropriate settings. They issue diagnostic reports that inform therapy, establish prognosis, and help confirm or refute clinical hypotheses. Pathologists collaborate closely with surgeons, oncologists, internists, radiologists, and other specialists.

Education and training typically require a medical degree followed by residency or specialty training in pathology, with board certification or equivalent credentials in the country of practice. Many pathologists undertake fellowships to subspecialize. Working environments include hospital pathology departments, academic centers, independent laboratories, and forensic institutes.

Pathology plays a central role in cancer diagnosis, infectious and inflammatory diseases, neurological disorders, and transplant medicine, among other areas. In German-speaking regions, Pathologe is used for male physicians in this field, with Pathologin for female physicians.