Everything you need to know about becoming a pathologist

A pathologist is a physician who examines samples of body tissues and fluids in a laboratory setting in order to assist other healthcare providers in diagnosing disease, dysfunction, and illness.

When a person undergoes a biopsy, has a blood test, gives a urine sample, or has any other number of medical testing done, a pathologist is responsible for interpreting the results. 

What does a pathologist do?

Pathologists are highly specialized doctors who perform medical testing, examine and analyze samples of material from the human body to determine whether or not abnormalities are present.

Although patients usually don’t interact with a pathologist directly, their input is a vital part of the diagnosis and treatment of many individuals, as it can be used to guide the treating physician’s actions.

The job of a pathologist is complex. The type of testing and analysis that a pathologist performs, the tools they use, and where they practice will depend heavily on which area of pathology they choose as a specialty. 

The practice of pathology can be broken down into two parts: clinical and anatomic. Clinical pathology involves laboratory analysis and medical interpretation of bodily fluids such as blood and urine. Anatomic pathology involves making medical diagnoses by examining tissue samples and surgical specimens, often done by examining the specimen under a microscope or with specialized clinical tools. The practice of anatomic pathology also includes an autopsy examination to determine the presence of disease or disorders upon death.

Most pathologists are trained in both clinical and anatomic pathology although some choose to specialize in one or the other. Additionally, there are many subspecialties of pathology which each focuses on a different area of the body or particular population. 

Some pathology subspecialties include:

• Neuropathology: The study of the nervous system and neurological diseases
• Dermatopathology: The intersection of dermatology and pathology which examines tissues of the skin, hair, and nails 
• Hematology: The study of blood-related diseases and disorders
• Forensic Pathology: The examination of tissues to determine the cause of death, especially when someone dies suddenly
• Pediatric Pathology: Focuses on the study of the pathology of children
• Chemical Pathology: Most often related to the study of toxicology, as well as both organic and inorganic substances present in bodily fluids
• Cytopathology: The study of cellular dysfunction, often related to cancer or other diseases
• Genetic Pathology: Performs genetic testing

In addition to running tests and examining specimens, some pathologists are responsible for managing entire medical laboratories, especially in hospital and clinic settings. Specifically, pathologists who specialize in clinical informatics study and manage databases and systems to help manage the spread of disease and the presence of illness in specific places and populations. Especially throughout the coronavirus pandemic, society has seen just how important this type of work is.

How do you become a pathologist?

Much like other specialized physicians and surgeons, the training to become a pathologist is rigorous: four years to obtain an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, three to five years of residency, and one optional year of fellowship.

Most pathologists will obtain an undergraduate degree in biology, chemistry, or pre-med before applying to medical school. As with other fields requiring a medical degree, medical school candidates must pass the 7.5-hour-long Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), prior to admittance into a school accredited through the Association of American Medical Colleges.

To become board certified through the American Board of Pathology, a pathologist must have graduated from an accredited medical school, have obtained a full and valid medical license, and complete a number of hands-on training requirements throughout their residency. Depending on the area of study that a pathologist chooses to pursue, certain subspecialties have additional requirements.

Once all requirements have been met, pathologists must pass a primary examination in either anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, or a combination of the two to become board certified. Additional exams are required for certification in a subspecialty. 

Pathologists must stay up-to-date with continuing education and be recertified through the American Board of Pathology every decade. 

What skills do you need to become a pathologist?

As a member of the healthcare sector, pathologists must be extremely knowledgeable in the areas of biology, anatomy, and chemistry. Their specialized training in medical school, residency, and beyond requires physical and mental dexterity, putting problem-solving abilities into action, and the ability to retain large amounts of complex information related to their chosen subspecialty. 

Pathologists often work on numerous cases simultaneously, so they must possess the ability to multitask and prioritize while working efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Skills like observation and patience can also serve pathologists well when working through diagnostic evaluations and in research situations.

As they will work closely with other medical professionals and relay important information about patient care, pathologists must be able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively. 

What is the average salary for a pathologist?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics includes pathologists in their salary data for surgeons and physicians, who made an average salary of $218,850 in 2020. The salary range for a pathologist depends heavily on which area of study a pathologist chooses to specialize in, how long they have been in the field, as well as where they practice.

The average salary for a pathologist in 2021 ranges from $240,538 and $336,726, according to research from Salary.com, with the highest-paid pathologists located in major metropolitan areas in states where the cost of living is highest like New York and California.

What is the typical career path for a pathologist?

Pathologists are an integral part of the healthcare system, responsible for the diagnostic testing that determines the presence of a myriad of diseases, illnesses, and disorders. The exact career path of a pathologist depends heavily on which subspecialty they choose and where they want to work. Once board-certified, a pathologist may choose to work in a hospital, clinic, off-site laboratory, or within a research facility.

Most often, pathologists work in clinical and hospital settings within a laboratory where they can perform research, testing, and diagnostics related to current patient cases. They usually have an office space where they manage cases, databases, and communicate with other physicians. 

Some pathologists choose to focus on research and development as it relates to illness progression, treatment, or even the spread of disease. These individuals often work in academic settings. They may also choose to train up-and-coming pathologists, teach courses, or participate in clinical studies to help further the field of study.

Where to find pathologist jobs

Take a look at some of the current job openings for pathologists available on Ladders now.