Air Force AFSC · Medical
44DX Pathologist
Overview
A Pathologist studies body fluids and tissues and uses laboratory tests to support patient diagnosis and treatment. This physician interprets blood work and examines tissue for evidence of disease.
Core Skills
- Clinical laboratory data interpretation
- Laboratory information systems utilization
- Quality assurance and quality control
- Clinical decision support
- Medical data analysis and reporting
- Regulatory compliance and documentation
- Interdisciplinary team leadership
- Technical writing and policy development
- Training and mentoring clinical staff
- Stakeholder communication and consultation
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- SAP software
- Accounts receivables system software
- Anatomic pathology software
- Antek HealthWare LabDAQ
Civilian Career Paths
- Physician
- Medical Laboratory
- Project Management
- Administration
Training & Development
Getting Started
- State Medical License (MD/DO)
- BLS
Career Growth
- Board Certification in Pathology (ABP)
- Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)
Also Common
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
What the Work Involves
- Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
- Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
- Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions.
- Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
- Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
Related Occupations
- Pediatric Surgeons
- Cardiologists
- Radiologists
- Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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