Physicians, Pathologists

What the job really is

Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-1222
• O*NET job zone: 5 — extensive preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
• Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
• Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
• Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
• Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
• Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
• Analyze and interpret results from tests, such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).
• Review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.
• Manage medical laboratories.
• Develop or adopt new tests or instruments to improve diagnosis of diseases.
• Educate physicians, students, and other personnel in medical laboratory professions, such as medical technology, cytotechnology, or histotechnology.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, SAP software, Accounts receivables system software, Albuminometers, Anaerobic specimen transport systems, Analytical balances, Anatomic pathology software, Antek HealthWare LabDAQ, Aspyra CyberLAB

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Pediatric Surgeons
• Cardiologists
• Radiologists
• Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
• Allergists and Immunologists
• Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric
• Cytotechnologists
• Histotechnologists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 5 (extensive preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Physicians, Pathologists — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.