Pathologists

Pathologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing disease by examining tissues, cells, and body fluids. They interpret laboratory tests and provide diagnostic consultations to guide patient management.

Pathology spans two broad areas: anatomic pathology, which focuses on structural changes in tissues from biopsies, surgical specimens, or autopsies; and clinical pathology, which analyzes laboratory specimens such as blood, urine, and other fluids to diagnose disease and monitor therapy.

Education and training: After medical school, pathologists complete a residency in pathology, with possible subspecialty fellowships in cytopathology, surgical pathology, neuropathology, hematopathology, dermatopathology, molecular pathology, forensic pathology, and related fields. They may become board-certified by national certification boards.

Responsibilities: Pathologists examine specimens under the microscope, perform or supervise ancillary testing (immunohistochemistry, molecular testing, flow cytometry, cytology), and issue diagnostic reports. They determine tumor type and grade, provide prognostic information, advise on further testing or treatment, and supervise medical laboratories to ensure quality control and accuracy.

Work settings: Pathologists work in hospitals, reference laboratories, academic centers, and government or public health laboratories. They collaborate closely with clinicians, surgeons, radiologists, and oncologists, and may participate in tumor boards and other multidisciplinary teams. Forensic pathologists perform autopsies in legal contexts and in medico-legal investigations.

Impact: Pathology underpins patient care by delivering accurate diagnoses, guiding treatment decisions, and informing prognostic assessments across a wide range of diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, congenital anomalies, and metabolic disorders.