Pathology is the branch of medicine concerned with the cause, manifestation, diagnosis, and outcome of disease. The pathologist provides the morphologic and laboratory analysis to assist in patient care. Although many pathologists have traditionally practiced both anatomic and clinical pathology, increasingly the trend is to limit one's practice to one or the other area of investigation. An anatomic pathologist's work, often done in a hospital setting, is related to the effects of disease on the human body, for example, the examination of tissues removed from surgical patients and the performance of autopsies. A clinical pathologist specializes in laboratory medicine which includes chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and immunology. The pathologist selects testing methods and equipment, supervises the technical staff, maintains quality control, and confers with clinicians regarding the significance of the tests.
How well do your values and personality align with specialists in this field?
Your quiz is not yet complete Complete Quiz
College of American Pathologists
The College of American Pathologists, the leading organization of board-certified pathologists, serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide....
MORE >
American Society for Clinical Pathology
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is the world's largest professional membership organization for pathologists and laboratory professionals. ...
MORE >
SDN Pathology Forum
Discuss pathology with your peers on the Student Doctor Network community forums....
MORE >
In How to Choose A Medical Specialty, you'll find helpful information straight from specialists from typical daily schedules to advice for interested students... MORE >