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Physicians, Pathologists

O*NET files this work under Physicians, Pathologists: people who diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. The skills rated most useful are reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking. One core duty is to examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities. Its interest code is IRC. Investigative leads at 7.0 out of 7, so expect research, analysis and working through hard problems, with Realistic next at 4.9. Getting in usually takes graduate school and often five years or more of related experience, a level O*NET calls extensive preparation. It tends to suit people who want research, analysis and working through hard problems, and it offers little for anyone seeking creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Diagnose diseases and conduct lab tests using organs, body tissues, and fluids. Includes medical examiners.

Main tasks

  • 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.
  • Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.

Skills

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Science
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Active Listening

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You enjoy working out why something happens, not just what happened.
  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You are prepared for graduate-level study and a long training path.
  • You are comfortable relying on reading comprehension and writing.

May not suit you if

  • You lose interest when a job asks for long stretches of analysis.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.4 out of 7 here.
  • You want to be working in the field within the next few years.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code IRC takes the three highest, and Investigative comes first here.

Preparation

Extensive preparation. Many jobs here need graduate study, and people often spend five years or more building specialist experience.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: Post-Doctoral Training. This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Anatomic Pathologist
  • Cytopathologist
  • Dermatopathologist
  • Forensic Pathologist
  • Hematopathologist

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.