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Educate physicians, students, and other personnel in medical laboratory professions, such as medical technology, cytotechnology, or histotechnology.
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Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
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Manage medical laboratories.
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Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
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Conduct research and present scientific findings.
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Diagnose infections, such as Hepatitis B and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), by conducting tests to detect the antibodies that patients' immune systems make to fight such infections.
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Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
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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).
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Perform autopsies to determine causes of deaths.
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Obtain specimens by performing procedures, such as biopsies or fine needle aspirations (FNAs) of superficial nodules.
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Testify in depositions or trials as an expert witness.
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Review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.
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Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
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Develop or adopt new tests or instruments to improve diagnosis of diseases.
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Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
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Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
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Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
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Plan and supervise the work of the pathology staff, residents, or visiting pathologists.
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Conduct genetic analyses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or chromosomes to diagnose small biopsies and cell samples.