patologens

Patologens are medical doctors who specialize in pathology, the medical discipline that studies the causes and effects of disease through laboratory analysis of cells, tissues, and bodily fluids. They diagnose conditions by examining specimens collected during surgery, biopsy, or autopsy, and by interpreting laboratory tests such as histology, cytology, microbiology, and molecular assays. Pathologists provide essential diagnostic information to clinicians, guide treatment decisions, and contribute to prognosis and safety by ensuring laboratory quality and accuracy.

They work in hospital-based laboratories, private or reference laboratories, medical schools, and public health institutions. They may sign out tissue diagnoses (anatomic pathology) or laboratory tests (clinical pathology) and often combine both in anatomic-clinical pathology practice. Subspecialties include surgical pathology, cytopathology, neuropathology, dermatopathology, hematopathology, molecular pathology, forensic pathology, and others. They use techniques such as light and electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and genetic testing.

Becoming a pathologist requires a medical degree, completion of a residency in pathology, and board certification or equivalent licensure in the country. Many pathologists undertake fellowships for further subspecialization.

In addition to diagnostic work, pathologists review results with clinicians, participate in tumor boards, supervise laboratory operations and quality control, and perform autopsies in forensic or clinical settings. They contribute to research, public health surveillance, and the development of new diagnostic methods.