What does a Physician/Pathologist do?

According to people in this career, the main tasks are...

TaskImportance
Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
98%
Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
98%
Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
96%
Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
93%
Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
93%
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
88%
Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
86%
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).
85%
Review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.
80%
Manage medical laboratories.
79%
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.
79%
Obtain specimens by performing procedures, such as biopsies or fine needle aspirations (FNAs) of superficial nodules.
79%
Conduct genetic analyses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or chromosomes to diagnose small biopsies and cell samples.
77%
Develop or adopt new tests or instruments to improve diagnosis of diseases.
74%
Educate physicians, students, and other personnel in medical laboratory professions, such as medical technology, cytotechnology, or histotechnology.
73%
Plan and supervise the work of the pathology staff, residents, or visiting pathologists.
72%
Conduct research and present scientific findings.
70%
Perform autopsies to determine causes of deaths.
67%
Testify in depositions or trials as an expert witness.
62%