At Houston Methodist, the Pathologist Assistant position is responsible for providing anatomic pathology services under the direction and supervision of a pathologist. This position contributes to the overall efficiency of the laboratory and pathology practice in a cost-effective manner by performing a variety of tasks, consisting primarily of gross examination of surgical pathology specimens and instructing pathology residents and pathology assistant students in gross surgical pathology. This Pathologists' Assistant position also participates in department initiatives, identifying and assisting with opportunities for performance improvement activities.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides instruction to pathology residents, fellows and pathology assistant students in surgical and autopsy pathology, acting as a resource and mentor.

• Collaborates with interprofessional team members to provide clinical expertise, providing appropriate clinical judgment and support interprofessional health care team.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs gross dissection of large and small surgical specimens, using standard dissection protocols, identifying and submitting pathologic tissues for histological processing and evaluation. Dictates accurate and precise gross descriptions for each specimen.

• Assists wit dissection and tissue sampling of specimens sent for intra-operative consultation.

• Photographs specimens for documentation and for use in presentations and publications. Maintains digital photography database.

• Completes overflow cases from other peripheral hospitals as needed. Available to provide coverage at other Houston Methodist laboratory entities as needed.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews all frozen section reports on a monthly basis for quality assurance, with final review and assessment by pathologists.

• Collects cases for quality assurance retrospective review.

• Ensures compliance with OSHA regulations and adherence to safety procedures.

• Identifies opportunities for process improvement providing recommendations impacting quality and safety targets, collaborating with the interprofessional team. Contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks as appropriate.

• Works in conjunction with department to reduce any waste of resources and materials and perpetuate financial stewardship and growth.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains personal professional development through professional organization membership. Completes and updates the individual development plan (IDP) on an on-going basis. Seeks opportunities to expand learning to further their education for growth with a focus on continual development.

• Participates in specified division clinical education programs, division meetings. Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement hospital projects and department activities.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Graduate of education program approved by the credentialing body for the required credential(s) indicated below in the Certifications, Licenses and Registrations section.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• One year clinical experience if program-trained

• Three years clinical experience if on-the-job trained

• Experience with computer systems

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• PA(ASCP) - Pathologists' Assistant (ASCP) within 6 months

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Demonstrates the ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision.

• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities including organizing heavy work flow with minimal supervision.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to achieve and maintain accuracy.

• Demonstrates independent judgment and discretion to recognize problems, identify causes and take corrective action.

• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes

Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group - As one of the nation’s leading hospitals and academic medical centers Houston Methodist has brought together some of the nation’s leading experts in multiple specialties to serve our patients.  As part of Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group (HMSPG), these specialists not only provide excellent clinical care, but are on the forefront of research, developing leading-edge technologies and treatments, and teaching the medical pioneers of tomorrow.  This combination of clinical service, research and academics ensures patients have access to the latest in treatments and technologies while providing the best in comprehensive patient care.  Established as a non-profit corporation and certified by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, HMSPG enables physicians to maintain autonomy with respect to their clinical practice while growing their practice within an academic environment.