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Who is a Pathologist?
You have to be a good observer to be a good pathologist ~ Bill Bass
Doctors and individuals who examine diseases by studying cells, tissues and organs are called pathologists. They help in the diagnosis and treatment of the illness or disease. The scope for a pathologist in India is strong. Students who are interested in becoming pathologists should study biology in 10+2.
Pathologist in a Nutshell
A pathologist is required to examine body fluids, tissues, and organs with the help of laboratory tests and microscopic examinations. Pathologists often work in hospitals and diagnostic labs, often assisting doctors when it comes to treatment decisions. Due to the increased demand for diagnostic services, pathology offers good career opportunities in clinical practices, research and academics.
Quick Facts for Pathologist
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Industry
Healthcare
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Average Salary in India
₹80500
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Suitable for
Male, Female
Anyone can become a pathologist irrespective of gender. The individual must meet the required educational requirements and have a level of interest in medical science. In India, pathology offers a wide range of career opportunities across hospitals, laboratories, research institutions, and academic settings where professional skills and expertise are of prime importance, regardless of gender.
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Any special needs
Yes
Since a pathologist is primarily required to work in laboratories conducting research and disease analysis, it is open to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. Until the disability interferes with the day-to-day functioning, anyone can become a pathologist.
Table of Contents for Pathologist
What is the role of Pathologist?
A medical professional who identifies diseases by analysing blood samples, body fluids, tissues, and organs. They conduct laboratory tests and microscopic examinations to detect conditions such as infections and cancer. A pathologist also works closely with doctors to support accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Testing
Individuals who opt for a career as pathologists are responsible for conducting several tests on a daily basis. These tests are conducted mainly for diagnosis purposes. Tests could be blood tests, smear tests as well as tissue removal tests. These tests help a doctor to understand the cause or presence of any disease, virus or infection and he could treat the patient accordingly. Once the test results are filed he or she explains the patient about the results and suggests further steps accordingly.
Treatment
Individuals who opt for a career as a pathologist provide a solution or prescribe a medicine depending on the patient’s disease. Once the tests are done and the reports are out a pathologist could either refer the patient to any specialised doctor or if it is a minor ailment or disease he or she could prescribe the medicine directly. Not only that in cases of blood transfusion, it is a pathologist who is responsible to make sure that the blood is safe enough to be transferred into the patient’s body.
Types of a Pathologist
Below we have mentioned some of the types of Pathologist and Pathologist career options.
Clinical Pathologist: A clinical pathologist works in a hospital’s lab as well as in the pathology groups to practice as a consultant physician. It is the first step for a fresher in this field to develop and apply knowledge of tissue and laboratory analyses. It would enable him or her to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of individual patients in the future.
Anatomic Pathologist: Anatomic pathology is the branch of medicine that studies the effect of diseases focusing on the structure of body organs. An anatomic pathologist does so by focusing on the disease both as a whole (grossly) and microscopically. The primary role of an anatomic pathologist is to identify abnormalities that can help to diagnose disease and manage treatment. It requires an individual to have good observation skills.
Forensic Pathologist: Forensic pathology is a branch of pathology that mainly focuses on determining the cause of death by examining a corpse. A post-mortem is performed by a medical examiner, usually during the investigation of criminal law cases and civil law cases in some jurisdictions. One needs to have an experience of at least four to five years in anatomic pathology or clinical pathology to become a forensic pathologist.
Medical Lab Technician: Individuals who opt for a career as medical lab technicians offer an individual the opportunity to have a significant impact on patient care, without actually interacting with patients. If one wants to make it to the field of medicine then being a doctor is not the only option.
Laboratory Technician: Individuals who opt for a career as laboratory technicians collect and process specimens, including skin and bodily fluid samples, from patients in a hospital or private medical diagnostic laboratory. Blood work technicians work under a laboratory technologist's supervision using procedures that help medical professionals diagnose diseases, plan treatments, and ascertain their effectiveness.
What is the workplace/work environment of Pathologist like?
Pathologists work in hospitals and research organisations. They work in a laboratory environment that is clean and controlled. They are required to wear clinical and protective clothing to maintain hygiene and prevent exposure to infections.
Does Pathologist require travelling?
Likely
During the early stage of their career, pathologists are not required to travel much. With experience and professional recognition, pathologists may travel every now and then in order to attend conferences or deliver guest lectures. However, the bottom line is that it is not a travel-intensive profession.
Employment Shifts
Full Time
In most cases, pathologists work full-time, where the working hours span anywhere between 45 and 55 hours per week. Work also depends on the workload. Some pathologists run their own clinic or diagnostic centres, wherein their work hours can be flexible. Other factors on which the work hours depend are personal preferences and client requirements.
Employment Nature
Permanent
A majority of pathologists work with hospitals, diagnostic labs, and research organisations where they are hired on a full-time basis. They also have the option to work independently, wherein they can set up their own diagnostic establishments.
Work Place
Laboratory, clinical lab, clinic
The nature of the employment of a career in pathology in India is permanent. Pathologist jobs in government/government organisations or private institutions but the job is mainly permanent in nature.
Presence in Geographical Area
Rural, Semi-urban, Urban
Individuals who opt for a career as Pathologists mostly function in an urban or semi-urban as well as rural location. In rural areas, a pathologist is found mostly in government clinics.
Time Pressure
Likely
A pathologist’s work is extremely time-sensitive, as a timely diagnosis can help better in combating the disease or illness. However, one needs to remember at the same time that the diagnosis cannot be rushed, as errors can have serious consequences. Pathologists need to pay close attention to every case they handle.
Overtime Details
Individuals who opt for a career as Pathologists may have to work overtime in order to check his or her patients.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 45 Hours
Individuals who opt for a career as pathologists work somewhere between 45 and 55 hours a week. Work hours might extend depending on the number of incoming patients one has to attend to.
How to become a Pathologist?
Steps to become a Pathologist
Those individuals who are interested in medicine and are curious about diseases, their causes, and conducting diagnostic tests, a career as a pathologist can be a great option. Below, we have outlined the process to become a pathologist.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Pathologist?
You must be wondering how to become pathologist in India or how to become a pathologist after 12th? In this section, we will be answering the most commonly asked question that how to become a pathologist after 12th. In order to make a career as a pathologist one must possess some skills. Some skills required by a pathologist are mentioned below:
Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively is one of the most necessary skills required by a pathologist in order to perform his or her job duties. The laboratory team working under a pathologist should be able to understand the work that is expected of them. Not only that, but seamless communication also helps in avoiding any sort of miscommunication between the pathologist and the patient. Being able to communicate effectively becomes important in a high-stake team environment in pathologist careers.
Attention to detail: A pathologist is required to make important decisions while treating a patient’s ailment or researching for a vaccine. Hence, he or she is required to pay meticulous attention to detail to produce highly accurate work even when under pressure. Paying attention to small details is essential during the operation in pathologist careers. It is one of the most important skill sets required by an individual to become a pathologist.
Patience: A pathologist faces critical situations where he or she is required to stay calm and make decisions that might be an important factor in a patient’s life. A pathologist is one of the most essential members when it comes to the treatment of the disease as he or she is responsible for a proper diagnosis. The work he or she does helps in keeping critically ill and medically unstable people alive. Situations like these required him or her to stay calm and level-headed.
Science skills: Nothing can be achieved without a deep understanding and interest in the subject. In order to become a pathologist along with excelling in the career, it is important for the candidate to have a deep interest in science and technology. A good academic background is a non-negotiable requirement in pathologist careers that can be achieved only through knowledge and a deep interest in science and technology.
Popular Online Medicine Courses and Certifications
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Pathologist?
We have mentioned below certification courses that may help you to upgrade your skills and knowledge for a career as pathologist.
| Pathology | The Chemistry of Life |
| Principles of Synthetic Biology | Essential Human Biology: Cells and Tissues |
| Viruses & How to Beat Them: Cells, Immunity, Vaccines | DNA: Biology’s Genetic Code |
Internship Availability
Career Path Progression for Pathologist
Junior Pathologist: A Junior Pathologist is a professional who is responsible for managing the hospital's labs and clinical facilities and performing laboratory tests and interpreting the results. A Junior Pathologist analyses the blood chemistry and cells and samples of tissues.
Senior Pathologist: A Senior Pathologist is an experienced professional who analyses and tests various samples and helps medical practitioners develop treatment plans. A Senior Pathologist write reports and conducts research.
Pathologist Jobs and Salaries
Junior Pathologist
- Average Salary 63000
Job Description
The Junior Pathologist job description includes identifying the disease by examining the bodies through autopsy and analysing the samples and writing the pathology reports. A Junior Pathologist also suggests treatment options by researching and based on tests.
Salary Description
The estimated Junior Pathologist salary in India ranges from Rs 0.6 Lakhs to Rs 15.3 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 8.8 Lakhs per annum. The Junior Pathologist salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
Senior Pathologist
- Average Salary 98000
Job Description
Senior Pathologist job description includes supervising and managing technicians and other assistants. A Senior Pathologist stays up to date with the latest trends and meets with other healthcare staff to discuss patient treatment plans.
Salary Description
The estimated Senior Pathologist salary in India ranges from Rs 3.6 Lakhs to Rs 22.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 15.6 Lakhs per annum. Senior Pathologist salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors.
Salary Source: AmbitionBox
What is the job outlook for Pathologist?
There is strong job growth in the field of pathology. As individuals gain more experience and progress to senior positions, there is a great probability of doing well in this field. As there have been some remarkable advances in science and technology, the field has expanded considerably, which in turn has created opportunities in hospitals, research institutions, and private practice. Those who are skilled enough can establish their own diagnostic centres as well.
The job outlook for pathologists looks quite positive, with openings in private as well as public sectors. As the healthcare industry is expanding in terms of technology-oriented tasks, there is also a growing need for gooy. d pathologists who also understand and know how to use the latest technology. Pathology offers stable career growth with employment prospects expected to growfaster than any other medical specialisation.
Frequently Asked Questions for Pathologist
Que. What is a pathologist’s salary?
Ans.For an entry-level post of a pathologist with a specialisation, the average total compensation offered is somewhere around Rs. 30,000 per month. After gaining the intermediate experience in the industry, he or she earns a monthly package of Rs. 2 lakh.
Que. Is a pathologist A doctor?
Ans.A pathologist is a doctor who specialises in diagnosing diseases by examining tissue samples and conducting research work based on nature and effects of a disease.
Que. What are the types of pathology?
Ans.Branches of pathology include:
Anatomic pathology
Cytopathology
Forensic pathology
Molecular pathology
Que. What tests are done in pathology?
Ans.Pathology tests cover blood tests, and tests on urine, stools and bodily tissues. A pathologist interprets the results of blood and pathology tests and looks for abnormalities that may point to disease, such as cancer and other chronic illnesses, or health risks, such as pre-diabetes.
Que. What is the role of Perfusionist?
Ans.A career as perfusionist comes with a variety of responsibilities such as operating the heart-lung machine, which is an artificial blood pump that launches oxygenated blood to the patient’s tissues while the surgeon operates on the heart. Perfusionists are responsible for managing the physiological and metabolic demands of the patient while the cardiac surgeon operates on the heart.
Que. How long does it take to become a pathology?
Ans.To Become a pathology, you will require at least 11 years of education as you will be pursuing your 5.5 years of degree and for a master's degree it will take 2 years and you will also need to have work experience.
Que. Can I do MD pathology without MBBS?
Ans.To pursue MD pathology, you need to earn an MBBS and you are also required to pursue an internship to get eligible for an MD course.
Que. Do pathologists make good money?
Ans.The estimated Junior Pathologist salary in India ranges from Rs 0.6 Lakhs to Rs 15.3 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 8.8 Lakhs per annum.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
Rudolf Virchow is called the father of modern pathology.
Fact 2
Robert Koch discovered the tuberculosis bacterium in 1882.
Fact 3
India’s demand for pathologists grows over 15% yearly.
Fact 4
Pathology reports guide 70% of global clinical decisions.
Fact 5
India’s first pathology department began at Calcutta Medical College.
