Pathologist Assistant - Lab-Histology - Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics is recruiting for an exciting new position added to work with six other PAs in a rural academic level III trauma center. We have the perfect blend of a large mix of complex specimens seen in an urban setting while being located amongst the mountains and lakes of New Hampshire with endless year-round outdoor activities. Our newly renovated space has an entire bank of windows to let the sunshine while grossing.

We welcome applications from new graduates.

This position has no weekends or calls, and autopsies performed by the PAs are rare to none.

The Pathologist Assistant plans, coordinates, participates in, and/or instructs in clinical and research protocols and studies while ensuring safe and standard practice with an emphasis on high-quality results. They perform various complex pathologic procedures, including gross surgical specimen dissections and autopsies. As a teaching hospital, a Geisel appointment of Instructor in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine are made for our new PAs as a part of their role. 

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week benefitted position.  More information about our benefits can be found here: DHMC and Clinics Employee Benefits

Due to our growth, we are open to all staffing models and hours, which can be discussed during the interview. Currently, there are no weekends or Holidays. 

1. Provides responsible oversight for surgical bench and Autopsy operations.
2. Plans, coordinates, and ensures high-quality performance using a Lean approach for both Gross room and Autopsy workflows.
3. Performs surgical specimen evaluation for routine procedures, special studies, and frozen sections.
4. Dictates gross specimen descriptions. (Performs and directs special tissue preparation protocols and tissue procurement for studies and banking).
5. Performs specialty preps E.G. Muscle biopsy (including bedside assistance), Renal biopsy, Skin Direct Immunofluorescence, Gout, Fetal footprints, procurement for lymphoma.
6. Triages specimens received from surgery.
7. Performs frozen section processing for DH Sites and outreach clients (when indicated).
8. Under the direction of a pathologist: performs and/or maintains proficiency in autopsy examination, including eviscerations, dissection, description, tissue sectioning, and reporting.
9. Assists in training Residents and Staff in departmental procedures, including proper specimen grossing and processing techniques, Autopsy, photography, radiography, use of cryostats, and staining setups.
10. Identifies tissue for biorepository tissue banking with LIS system entry and daily operation/flow of the Grossing and Autopsy rooms.
11. As a clinical rotation site for Quinnipiac University PA Training Program, we teach and supervise PA students on rotation.
12. Involved with inspection readiness and aware of regulatory requirements (CAP, JCAHO, COC). Inspection readiness.
13. Coordinates assistance from other laboratory sections when necessary from operations.
    • Lab Supervisors and Coordinators Meeting
    • Lab Quality Council
14. Assists with curation and use of teaching specimens and, when necessary, preparing materials for conferences and teaching.
15. Maintains patient privacy, confidentiality, and respect.
16. Performs specimen photography and radiography as needed.
17. Monitors, evaluates and maintains Autopsy and Gross room preparedness for daily operations including equipment, supplies, and procedure manuals, communicate workflow challenges, and suggests or implements change to ensure safe work practices and effective/Lean work environment.
18. Maintains Policies and procedures in Policy Tech for: Autopsy, Surgical Pathology, Biorepository protocol management, Quality and Physician Practice Guidelines.
19. Ensures cleaning and disinfection of equipment in Gross room and Autopsy.
20. Works with management to develop short- and long-term goals and plans and modify operational protocols. Resolves operational and staff problems or conflicts. Participates in clinical and quality improvement initiatives.
21. Evaluates and recommends new products and equipment.
22. Oversees Path Tech duties in area of responsibility, as needed.
23. Keeps the Medical Director and Anatomic Pathology Supervisor/Manager apprised of important events, adverse outcomes, and milestones.
24. Assists in the development, management, and maintenance of a frozen tissue bank. Procures Biorepository specimens.
25. Assumes responsibility for scheduling to accomplish research projects.
26. Learns and performs technical procedures to ensure completion of research projects.
27. Meets with individual investigators to assist them in developing their research plan requests. Coordinates requests to determine eligibility for treatment protocols.
28. Assists investigators in developing projected budgets for their studies.
29. Ensures processing of research billing information.
30. Updates research costing annually to provide data for fee structures. Must be able to stand for long periods of time (4 hours or more).
31. Must be able to bend, kneel, and lift using safe technique.
32. Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to work with small instruments, glass slides, and equipment.
33. Must follow and teach established safety and health precautions.
34. Excellent interpersonal skills are required for communicating with clinicians, pathologists, and laboratory staff of all levels.
35. Must possess a strong attention to detail and a high commitment to quality.
36. Must demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to the position.
37. Must be able to rotate for department coverage with other staff.
38. Must be able to work independently and in a group setting to produce consistent and reliable workflow of high quality.
39. Must be able to easily use a computer and basic software applications and periodically act as a testing liaison for the Laboratory section.
40. Performs other duties as required or assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in science and successful completion of an approved Pathologists’ Assistant program or equivalent.

• AAPA registered or eligible.