Pathologist

Pathologist: a physician who deals with the cause and nature of disease by using information gathered from microscopic examination of:

• tissue
• cells
• body fluids
• clinical laboratory tests.

These doctors may focus on anatomic issues, which is often done in a hospital setting and focuses on the effects of disease on the human body or focus on clinical laboratory medicine which includes aspects of chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunology.

Quick Facts

Competitiveness: Low

Length of training: 3 to 4 years

Number of residency programs: 150

Number of residents in training: 2,312

Number in U.S. currently Board Certified in specialty: 18,670

First year median compensation: $162,000

Mean number of hours per week in patient care activities: 45.1

Residency Information

A residency in either anatomic or clinical path is 3 years. To complete a combined residency in anatomic and clinical pathology is 4 years. You can receive training in a subspecialty which requires 1 additional year:

• Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine
• Chemical Path
• Cytopath
• Dermapath
• Forensic Pathology
• Hematology
• Medical Microbiology
• Molecular Genetic Path
• Neuropath (2 years required)
• Pediatric Path

Why Choose

Physicians choose this specialty because they can conduct research and there is minimal patient contact. They were also strongly influenced by teachers or mentors in this specialty.

Typical Schedule

Generally you will have regular work hours, but this can vary depending on your work environment. Those in a hospital setting may work from 7:30 AM until 5:30 AM five days a week and have a shorter day on Saturdays, this is because they must be available to run analyze specimens given to them by surgeons and other clinicians.

There may be telephone consultations at night and the weekend, but rarely will you have to return to the hospital.

You will also attend and conduct a lot of meetings because the hospital staff relies heavily on your expertise and also for you to continue the medical education of practicing physicians throughout the community.

If You're Interested

This is a great specialty for those who enjoy the scientific aspect of medicine and do not need to work with patients, otherwise you will primarily be in contact with other physicians.

While in medical school you will want to understand basic pathologic processes and complete a research project. Otherwise when choosing a residency go to a program where you are allowed pursue your professional interests.

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