The Pathologist

What is a pathologist?

A pathologist is a medical doctor who examines bodies and body tissues, and who is responsible for performing laboratory tests. A pathologist helps other physicians reach diagnoses and is an important member of the treatment team.

Pathologists have completed medical school and must have at least four years of advanced medical education in a residency training program to be eligible to take board certification examinations. Pathologists are board-certified through the American Board of Pathology.

Most pathologists receive training in both clinical and anatomical pathology. In addition, pathologists can further specialize in certain areas, such as the following:

• dermatopathology - the study of the skin in diagnosing skin diseases. Dermatopathological results can help diagnose common skin diseases, as well as complex immunological diseases.

• cellular pathology - the study of cellular alterations in disease (also called cytopathology). Cytopathology is often used to diagnose cancer.

• comparative pathology - the study of disease in animals and how it compares in humans.

• neuropathology - the study of the nervous system. Neuropathology can help diagnose neurological diseases.

There are approximately 12,000 board-certified pathologists in the United States. Pathologists practice in community, university, and government hospitals and clinics, as well as in independent laboratories, private offices, and other medical facilities.