Pediatric Pathologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving field of healthcare, the importance of pediatric pathologists has become increasingly apparent.

As medical science progresses, there is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can diagnose, manage, and interpret pediatric diseases.

But what’s really expected of a pediatric pathologist?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring medical professional trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the fascinating field of pediatric pathology,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable pediatric pathologist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or medical career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Pathologist Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Pathologists are specialized medical professionals who diagnose diseases in infants, children, and adolescents using laboratory tests, microscopic examinations, and autopsy reports.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Perform diagnostic evaluations on tissue and body fluid samples from pediatric patients
• Provide guidance to physicians regarding the interpretation of laboratory results and further diagnostic testing
• Conduct autopsies to determine causes of death or to investigate disease progression
• Participate in multidisciplinary conferences to discuss patient diagnosis and treatment planning
• Work closely with clinicians, pediatricians, and surgeons to provide comprehensive care to patients
• Document findings from pathological examinations in patient medical records
• Stay updated with latest advancements and trends in pediatric pathology
• Conduct research to improve diagnostic techniques and treatment strategies in pediatric pathology
• Teach medical students and residents about pediatric pathology
• Ensure compliance with healthcare laws, regulations, and standards

 

Pediatric Pathologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Pediatric Pathologist to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for diagnosing diseases in children through the examination of tissues and body fluids.

You will work closely with pediatricians to provide accurate diagnoses that will guide treatment plans.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of pediatric diseases, excellent analytical skills, and can communicate complex medical information clearly and concisely.

 

Responsibilities

• Examine tissues and body fluids to diagnose diseases in children
• Work closely with pediatricians to provide accurate diagnoses
• Prepare and present reports of pathological findings
• Stay updated on latest developments in pediatric pathology
• Participate in research projects related to pediatric diseases
• Guide and supervise junior pathologists and other laboratory staff
• Ensure all laboratory procedures comply with quality and safety standards
• Participate in continuous medical education activities

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree and board certification in Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic/Clinical Pathology
• Subspecialty certification or eligibility in Pediatric Pathology
• Proven experience as a pediatric pathologist
• Excellent knowledge of laboratory safety and infection control procedures
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in using laboratory information systems

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Pathologist
• Work Environment: Laboratory setting within a hospital or medical facility. Some on-call hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Pathology or similar leadership role.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $220,000 minimum to $360,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, proof of board certification and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Pathologist Do?

Pediatric Pathologists are specialized medical professionals who study and diagnose diseases in infants, children, and adolescents.

They usually work in hospitals, medical laboratories, or research institutions.

They examine tissues, cells, and body fluids under a microscope to identify and diagnose diseases, abnormalities or infections, and often deal with cases related to developmental problems, congenital disorders, and pediatric cancers.

Pediatric Pathologists work closely with other medical professionals, including pediatricians and surgeons, to help understand the nature of the disease and its impact on the patient.

They play a crucial role in patient management by providing advice on treatment options based on their diagnosis.

They are also responsible for documenting and communicating their findings to the patient’s primary care physician, and may participate in research studies to understand the origin and progression of diseases in children.

Additionally, they can provide counseling to the patient’s family and help them understand the nature of the disease and what steps are needed for the child’s treatment and care.

 

Pediatric Pathologist Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Pathologist should have the skills and qualifications that align with this specialized medical field, such as:

• Medical competency with a deep understanding of pediatric diseases and conditions, and an ability to diagnose these through the study of cells and tissues.
• Advanced technical skills to use sophisticated medical equipment and technologies for diagnostic purposes.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail to accurately interpret lab results and identify abnormalities in tissue or cell samples.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively explain complex medical information to patients’ families, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
• Good interpersonal skills to provide empathetic care to children and their families, and establish trust with colleagues and staff.
• Problem-solving abilities to make accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment recommendations.
• Research skills to stay updated with the latest developments in pediatric pathology and contribute to medical knowledge in the field.
• Ability to manage stress and work under pressure, often dealing with critical and sensitive cases.
• Must have a medical degree and have completed a residency in pathology, followed by a fellowship in pediatric pathology.

 

Pediatric Pathologist Experience Requirements

Pediatric Pathologists typically begin their journey with a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school.

They also need to complete a 3-to-7 year residency in anatomic pathology or anatomic and clinical pathology.

After this, they must complete an additional 1 to 2 years of fellowship training specifically in pediatric pathology.

During this time, they gain hands-on experience by examining tissue samples from children and infants, and diagnosing diseases.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience post-fellowship may be qualified for entry-level pediatric pathology positions.

These professionals will typically have experience in diagnosing a wide range of pediatric diseases, collaborating with pediatricians, and using laboratory equipment and software.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have further developed their technical skills and diagnostic capabilities in pediatric pathology roles.

They may also have experience in teaching or mentoring, as many pediatric pathologists work in academic settings.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often considered experts in their field.

They may have some leadership experience, having supervised other pathologists or medical technologists, and are typically ready for higher-level roles or consulting positions.

Additionally, all Pediatric Pathologists must be board-certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, or both, and they must then obtain subspecialty certification in Pediatric Pathology.

 

Pediatric Pathologist Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Pathologists typically need a doctoral degree in medicine (M.D) or osteopathy (D.O).

This is followed by a residency in anatomic or clinical pathology, which usually lasts for about 3-4 years.

After the initial residency, they must complete a fellowship in pediatric pathology, which generally spans for 1-2 years.

The fellowship allows them to gain specialized experience in diagnosing and understanding diseases that affect infants, children, and teenagers.

Once the fellowship is completed, Pediatric Pathologists must become board-certified by passing a series of rigorous exams conducted by the American Board of Pathology, in both Anatomic Pathology or Clinical Pathology, and Pediatric Pathology.

The Pediatric Pathologist must also acquire and maintain a state license to practice medicine.

The licensing requirements vary from state to state but generally involve passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).

In addition to the formal training, Pediatric Pathologists must possess excellent communication skills, a meticulous attention to detail, and a high level of empathy, as they frequently interact with the families of young patients.

To keep up with the evolving medical field, many Pediatric Pathologists participate in continuing education opportunities to stay updated on the latest discoveries and advancements in pediatric pathology.

 

Pediatric Pathologist Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Pathologist on average earns a salary of $216,069 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary significantly based on factors such as years of experience, level of specialization, geographical location, and the specific healthcare institution.

 

Pediatric Pathologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Pathologist need?

Pediatric Pathologists require a strong understanding of general pathology principles, as well as specific knowledge of diseases and conditions that affect infants and children.

They need excellent analytical skills to interpret laboratory results and diagnose illnesses accurately.

Communication skills are also vital as they need to effectively convey findings to medical professionals and sometimes to families.

 

Do Pediatric Pathologists need a special degree?

Yes, Pediatric Pathologists must have a medical degree and complete a residency in general pathology.

Afterward, they must undergo additional specialized training in pediatric pathology and become board-certified in this subspecialty.

This rigorous education and training process ensures that Pediatric Pathologists are well-equipped to diagnose and understand diseases in children.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Pathologist resume?

A Pediatric Pathologist’s resume should show a clear path of education and training in pathology, particularly in pediatrics.

Look for a medical degree, residency in pathology, and a fellowship in pediatric pathology.

Board certification in pathology and pediatric pathology is also essential.

Any research or publications in the field of pediatric pathology can be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Pathologist?

A good Pediatric Pathologist possesses strong analytical and decision-making skills.

They have a keen eye for detail, enabling them to spot unusual patterns or abnormalities in test results.

Compassion is also important, as they often work with young patients who are seriously ill.

They also need to be able to communicate effectively with pediatricians, other healthcare providers, and sometimes with families of the patients.

 

Is it challenging to hire Pediatric Pathologists?

Hiring Pediatric Pathologists can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the role.

There are fewer pathologists specializing in pediatrics compared to other medical specialties.

It’s important to offer competitive salaries and benefits, ongoing education opportunities, and a supportive work environment to attract and retain these highly skilled professionals.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the heart of what being a pediatric pathologist truly entails.

And guess what?

It’s not just about diagnosing diseases.

It’s about shaping the future of child healthcare, one diagnosis at a time.

With our comprehensive pediatric pathologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to embark on your career journey.

But why stop there?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every diagnosis is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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