Provider Questions
Patient Questions
WHAT IS A PATHOLOGIST?
A pathologist is a physician who examines tissues and cells microscopically, checks the accuracy of laboratory tests, and integrates laboratory and clinical data facilitating patient diagnosis and treatment. Pathologists specialize in the diagnosis and characterization of disease based on the examination of tissues removed from the diseased body part or from biopsy samples. They also diagnose certain diseases and conditions through the laboratory analysis of various body fluids and blood. Pathologists work in conjunction with clinicians to help them make decisions regarding the most appropriate treatments for different disease conditions.
HOW IS A PATHOLOGIST DIFFERENT FROM MY PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER?
Pathology literally means the study of disease and is a fundamental discipline in the education of all medical doctors. However, beyond medical school training pathologists study all the organ systems, and cell types which comprise the human body and their relationships with each other. After residency training, pathologists are eligible to be certified in anatomical and clinical pathology, with additional certifications available through additional subspecialty training. Our pathologists are board certified by the American Board of Pathology. It is estimated that 75% of all medical decisions are based on pathology and laboratory information generated by patient testing. Clinicians look to pathologists for answers about their patients’ diseases and conditions.
SURGICAL PATHOLOGY
Surgical pathologists are responsible for examining tissue specimens taken in the surgical suite of the hospital or biopsies taken in a physician’s office or outpatient surgery center. The specific pathologic findings will determine the treatment plan for the patient.
CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
Clinical pathologists are responsible for all aspects of medical laboratory testing. They are often consulted by other physicians seeking advice about specific tests and results interpretation, as well as recommendations for additional testing. This can include deciding which particular test should be ordered, determining how a specific body site should be cultured, and recommending additional testing for screening, monitoring and diagnosis.
CYTOPATHOLOGY
Cytopathology is the branch of anatomic pathology which consists of the study of individual cells rather than whole tissues. Whereas surgical specimens maintain their architectural relation to the surrounding cells and tissues, cytologic samples consist of cells scraped off of or aspirated from the tissues being examined.