A cytopathologist diagnoses diseases by analyzing cell and tissue samples using scientific equipment. They work with physicians and surgeons to provide a diagnosis and treatment suggestions, and may also conduct genetic analyzes and autopsies. The job requires strong reasoning, problem solving, and communication skills, as well as a medical degree and residency requirements.
A cytopathologist analyzes cell and tissue samples to diagnose diseases such as infections and cancer. Working in a hospital, clinic or laboratory, he or she uses scientific equipment such as microscopes and centrifuges to study blood and tissue samples collected from patients. It is common to work directly with physicians and surgeons to obtain details about the patient’s condition and provide a diagnosis and treatment suggestions. The cytopathologist’s duties also include interpreting the results of tests for reactions to microbes, urine, hormones, and proteins. One must also be able to communicate well with doctors and patients and possess knowledge in various disciplines.
Cytopathologist jobs often have regular working hours, but in large medical facilities, they may have to work specific shifts that may include night work, and often involve handling multiple cases at once. The job requires an understanding of how cell samples are collected so that it is possible to guide a physician such as an oncologist in obtaining the best sample possible. Samples can return positive or negative or somewhere in between; therefore, it is up to the person studying the cells to recommend treatment options to the doctor. The comfort of working in a team environment is one of the job requirements of cytopathologists, and someone working in a non-physician facility must be able to trust other people’s word.
Genetic analyzes are conducted, as are autopsies when the cause of death is unknown. Scientific work also involves conducting research to complete scientific findings that may be presented in a journal or at a large meeting. Cytopathologists also play a managerial role, both for staff and residents, and sometimes for entire medical laboratories. Keeping up with new developments in pathology is also part of the job, attending conferences, conferring with colleagues, and reading the literature of other professionals in the field.
To satisfy a cytopathologist’s job description, the professional must have refined skills in reasoning, problem solving, verbal and written expression, and requesting information. Strong memorization skills and math skills are also required, as well as the ability to educate others in the workplace. Becoming a cytopathologist is similar to becoming a physician, with the prerequisites including a medical degree and meeting two to three year residency requirements. He or she may work in a hospital, a private research laboratory or a university.
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