Surgical Pathologists Assistant I

Working hours for this role is Monday- Friday 10am-6:30pm.

General Summary of Position

The incumbent in this position is responsible for gross description and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens. Serves as a resource to technical staff residents and other staff as needed. Maintains records of quality assurance and quality control in all aspects in Surgical Pathology. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and Georgetown University Hospital's philosophy policies procedures and standards.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains lab standards and quality assurance for licensure and all regulatory agencies.
• Selects and identifies tissue for microscopic study; determines proper fixative solutions in which tissue will be maintained; dictates gross findings on selected specimen using appropriate terminology.
• Inspects all biopsies coming to Surgical Pathology regarding specimen containers and Surgical Pathology requests form verifying patient demographics; assures all items of our rejection policies are covered.
• Dictates gross description to include: number of tissue in fixative with color description dimension and identifies marks.
• Removes organs portions of bone or other samples of tissues for any specialized study or research; collect special materials for toxicological viral and bacteriological assays.
• Assists in training of techniques and procedures to staff interns and residents.
• Triages all specimens to insure that workflow allows for efficient tissue processing resulting in the minimum amount of time necessary to prepare slides for pathologists.
• Maintains all equipment in Surgical Pathology and maintain quality assurance in Surgical Pathology (i.e. equipment temps quality control records etc.)
• Performs other duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and are not to be considered as all-inclusive.

Minimal Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree Bachelor of Science degree
• Successful completion of a NAACLS accredited pathologists' assistant program
• Must meet CLIA/DHR requirements

Experience

• 1-2 years experience in an acute care facility, preferred.

Licenses and Certifications

• ASCP - Pathologists' Assistant - ASCP-PA Certification by American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA) or eligible within 1 Year.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of human anatomy macrosurgical techniques general laboratory skills.
• Understanding of safety and infection control requirements of position.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain and prepare tissue for evaluation provide assistance to pathologists in a timely and quality manner.
• Proficiency in preparing and maintaining records use of electronic communications tools and software.
• High degree of technical competence and knowledge of all histological techniques.
• Strong interpersonal skills for interacting with peers patients physicians and other customers of the medical center.