Job Description:

This position is responsible for day-to-day management and oversight of the flow of anatomic pathology specimens through the laboratory, from specimen receipt through preparation of final diagnostic slides. The role also oversees department operations and staff. Employees in this role are responsible to implement a comprehensive quality program that complies with Intermountain's quality plan and with the Intermountain Institute for Healthcare Delivery Research.

Scope:

The duties and responsibilities in this role must be done in compliance with all standard operating procedures and regulations of certifying, licensing, and accrediting agencies.

Job Essentials:

Surgical Pathology:

• Develops standard procedures for and assures appropriate specimen accessioning.

• Obtains clinical history, including scans, x-rays, imaging studies, laboratory data, etc., as necessary.

• Gross examination of specimens to include, advanced, and complex specimen types.

• Describes gross anatomic features, dissects surgical specimens, and prepares tissues for histological processing with supervision by pathologist.

• Obtains biological specimens such as blood, tissue, and toxicological material for studies such as flow cytometry, image analysis, immunohistochemistry, etc., and performs special procedures including imaging and tumor triage, including distribution of biological specimens.

• Photographs pertinent gross specimens and microscopic slides.

• Assures proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies, and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite.

Autopsy Pathology: (Preparation of Human Postmortem Examinations)

• Ascertains proper legal authorization for autopsies and pertinent document review.

• Accurately develops and/or communicates policies and procedures.

• Develops and updates technical procedures annually with supervision by pathologist.

• Performs complete post mortem examinations to include evisceration, dissection and tissue submission, with supervision by pathologist.

• Orients and educates Pathology Residents on all autopsy procedures.

Pathological Procedures:

• Acts as an advanced technical resource for physicians and hospital personnel re: specimen submission and special handling and testing.

• Develops standard operating procedures for surgical and autopsy pathology.

• Gross examination of specific types of specimens.

• Advanced surgical and autopsy specimen photography.

• Advanced arranging specimen radiography.

• Obtains and stores specimens for special procedures.

• Prepares and assists at autopsy, preparing tissue samples for diagnosis by pathologist (histology, special stains, frozen sections, touch imprints, bone marrow).

• Prepares and sends out tissue samples for autopsy and surgical pathology.

• Maintains and troubleshoots equipment, filing and maintenance of slides, blocks, images, and other specimens.

Interpersonal and Team Building:

• Communicates effectively with peers, team members, families, patients, and other health care professionals.

• Follows-through on problems that may compromise patient care by using the appropriate chain of command.

• Conducts regular staff meetings to share information, communicate changes and updates, and discuss and correct problems.

• Acts as a role model for legal and ethical standards in their practice.

• Maintains strong working relationships with all departments and outside contacts.

• Maintains accountability expectations with staff while being supportive and respectful.

• Is adaptable to change and responds supportively.

Research/Orientation/Testing:

• Assists in organization, preparation, and coordination of pathology conferences.

• Collaborates on clinical and

• Translational research and acts as co-author of research findings.

• Maintains technical expertise and reports to staff on technological advances. Educates non-laboratory staff when appropriate.

• Provides opportunities for staff to participate in Laboratory Continuing Education.

• Develops and implements an effective orientation and training program.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in chemical, physical, biological/medical technology science. Education must be obtained through an accredited institution. Degree will be verified. Non-US [non-accredited] degrees may be evaluated for equivalency by an Intermountain approved vendor. Eligibility for this role is dependent upon meeting qualifications including acceptance of an approved equivalency designation.

• Certification as a Pathologists' Assistant (ASCP).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a laboratory with good laboratory practices or ISO 9000 standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Interact with others requiring the employee to verbally communicate information.

• Operate computers and complex and delicate lab equipment requiring the ability to move fingers and hands.

• See and read lab equipment, monitors, and documents.

• Remain sitting or standing for long periods of time to perform work on a computer or other equipment.