Nature of work
Pathologists are biological or medical scientists who study the nature, causes, and effects of disease in plant and animal life. Pathology is a broad field that concentrates on the changes in organs, tissues, and cells that are caused by disease. Pathologists usually work in hospitals, medical laboratories, schools, colleges, and universities. They may teach or do laboratory work or research. They are employed by government agencies associated with agriculture, public health, law enforcement, and many other fields. Private companies that make products such as drugs and insecticides also employ pathologists. Pathologists concentrate on plant, animal, or human pathology. Although the areas of study of these pathologists are very different, they are all scientists who study disease. Pathology has been called the bridge between basic science and medicine. Pathologists who are concerned with human disease are usually physicians who have received specialized training in pathology. They are sometimes called medical pathologists or are classified according to their subspecialty, such as oral pathology. Environment of work
Because pathology is a broad field, working conditions vary. However, most pathologists spend some time in scientific or medical research laboratories that are usually well equipped. Depending on their field, pathologists may also spend time in greenhouses, on farms, in hospital wards, or in morgues. Pathologists often work at least part of the time in offices and classrooms. They usually work long hours, which may reach to more than forty hours workweek; however they are flexible. Although They may have to work rotating shifts, their hours are usually more regular than those of physicians who have their own practices. Pathologists should devote the most of his time to finish his job. For example, They of all kinds are likely to spend time planning projects, attending meetings, and studying the findings of other scientists. They should have the ability to absorb a great deal of information and the patience to complete lengthy research projects. They must be careful and precise workers, especially when their diagnosis is crucial in setting the direction of patient care. Candidates should be flexible because they may either need to work alone, or they may need to cooperate with other members of a medical or scientific team. Professional life
Pathologists are highly trained professionals and usually have many ways to advance by improving their skills and becoming experts in their field. They can also advance to become full professors in colleges or universities or directors of research or administrators at universities, medical centers, government agencies, or private companies.The job outlook for pathologists is very good. There is likely to be competition for teaching jobs in universities, but there should be new jobs for pathologists in research and medical laboratory work.
If candidates have bachelor's or master's degrees in pathology, their opportunities are expected to be better than the opportunities for those with doctoral degrees. Candidates can find plenty jobs in private industry, large hospitals, and medical centers. As a result of increased public interest in preserving the environment, expanding food supplies, and improving health care, private companies are expected to devote funds to research in pathology. Pathologists have a great chance to occupy positions in sales, marketing, and research management.
Range of typical starting salaries: 80000 SYP.
Getting the job
An individual should realize that he/she needs advanced training to become a pathologist. As an undergraduate, he/she should major in premedical studies, a biological science, chemistry, or a related field. Although a person who has a bachelor's degrees can find some jobs as medical laboratory technologist or advanced biological technician, his/her opportunities for advancement are limited. People who have earned a master's degree in plant or animal pathology or in microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field may be qualified for some jobs in teaching or applied research. A candidate generally takes four years to earn a bachelor's degree and another one or two years to obtain a master's degree.If a candidate likes to be a fully qualified pathologist he/she need a doctoral degree (Ph.D.). In case he/she wants to work with plant diseases, he/she should obtain a doctoral degree in plant pathology or a related field in botany. On the other hand, if a candidate prefers to work in animal science, he/she can get a doctoral degree in zoology or pathology or the degree of doctor of veterinary medicine. In that case a person will need to spend about four additional years in advanced training after he/she has graduated from a college.
Skills
People who would like to apply for this position should have many skills such as compassion. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians need to be empathetic while completing challenging tasks, for they work closely with patients who may be in extreme pain or emotional stress and whose cooperation they must be able to get. Also, they should be detail oriented because medical laboratory technologists and technicians must follow exact instructions from physicians in order to perform the correct tests or procedures.Because medical laboratory technologists and technicians work closely with needles and precise laboratory instruments, they must be able to handle these tools effectively, they require skill while working with their hands, and they should be dexterous. Another skill required for this position is stamina. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians may work on their feet for long periods while collecting samples and they may need to lift or turn disabled patients to collect samples for testing. Moreover, technical skills are important for medical laboratory technologists and technicians who must understand how to operate complex machinery.
.People who would like to apply for this position should have many skills such as compassion. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians need to be empathetic while completing challenging tasks, for they work closely with patients who may be in extreme pain or emotional stress and whose cooperation they must be able to get. Also, they should be detail oriented because medical laboratory technologists and technicians must follow exact instructions from physicians in order to perform the correct tests or procedures.
Because medical laboratory technologists and technicians work closely with needles and precise laboratory instruments, they must be able to handle these tools effectively, they require skill while working with their hands, and they should be dexterous. Another skill required for this position is stamina. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians may work on their feet for long periods while collecting samples and they may need to lift or turn disabled patients to collect samples for testing. Moreover, technical skills are important for medical laboratory technologists and technicians who must understand how to operate complex machinery.
Sources and references
If a candidate needs any further information on what is included in this file, he⁄ she can visit the following websites: www.cap.org, College of American Pathologists
www.pathologistsassistants.org, American Association of Pathologists'
www.pathologists.org.uk, Association of Clinical Pathologists
careers.stateuniversity.com
Arab Standard Classification of Occupations, 2008, Ed. Arab Labor Organization.