Physician/Pathologist

Your Fit

Income

$183K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

4.6%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Physician/Pathologist?

A Physician/Pathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and study of diseases by examining bodily tissues, cells, and organs. They play a critical role in disease diagnosis, treatment planning, and research by analyzing laboratory results.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Physician/Pathologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Physician/Pathologist earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$74K per year	$181K per year	$183K per year	$301K per year	$360K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $135K above the national average.

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What does a Physician/Pathologist do?

Work environment

Pathologists typically work in laboratories within hospitals, medical centers, or private labs. They may also work in academic or research institutions. Their work environment is highly technical, requiring the use of microscopes, laboratory equipment, and computer systems. Pathologists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals but have limited direct interaction with patients.

Quick task list

Examines and analyzes bodily fluids, tissues, and cells to diagnose diseases.
Performs autopsies to determine causes of death.
Consults with other physicians to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Oversees laboratory operations, including the work of lab technicians.
Conducts research and publishes findings to advance the field.

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Areas of specialization

Anatomic Pathology: Focusing on the examination of organs and tissues to diagnose diseases.
Clinical Pathology: Specializing in the analysis of blood, urine, and other body fluids.
Forensic Pathology: Determining the cause of death in cases of sudden, unexpected, or violent death.
Molecular Pathology: Using molecular biology and genetics to diagnose diseases.
Dermatopathology: Specializing in skin diseases.

Description

Pathologists are vital to the medical field, as they provide the diagnoses that inform patient treatment plans. They analyze samples from patients to identify diseases like cancer, infectious diseases, and genetic conditions. Pathology is a diverse field that combines science and medicine, requiring pathologists to stay updated on advancements in medical research and technology.

Pathologists work mostly behind the scenes but collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals. They provide consultations to other physicians, helping them understand laboratory findings and their implications for patient care. Pathologists also play a crucial role in medical research, contributing to the understanding of diseases and the development of new treatments.

The career demands a high level of precision, analytical skill, and attention to detail. Pathologists must be adept at interpreting laboratory results and understanding complex medical information. While patient interaction is limited, the impact of a pathologist's work on patient care is significant.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing crucially to patient diagnosis and treatment.
Working at the intersection of science and medicine.
Opportunities for research and advancing medical knowledge.
Intellectual challenge and continuous learning.

You might make a good Physician/Pathologist if you are...

Fascinated by the science behind diseases and medical conditions.
Detail-oriented, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Comfortable working mostly in a laboratory setting.
Interested in medical research and technological advancements.
Able to communicate complex information effectively.

Pros:

High impact on patient care and treatment outcomes.
Opportunities for specialization and research.
Good earning potential and job stability.

Cons:

Lengthy and expensive educational path.
Work can be isolating with limited patient interaction.
High responsibility and potential for stressful cases.

How to become a Physician/Pathologist

Typical education

Pathologists require extensive education: a 4-year undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical school, and 3-4 years of residency training in pathology. Some pathologists pursue additional fellowship training in a subspecialty, which can take 1-2 years.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to build a strong foundation in the sciences.
Advanced mathematics for developing analytical skills.
Computer Science for understanding laboratory information systems.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in science fairs and clubs.
Volunteering or shadowing in healthcare settings.
Engaging in research projects or scientific writing.

Preparation after high school

Complete a bachelor's degree with a pre-medical focus.
Attend medical school and obtain a medical degree (MD or DO).
Complete residency training in pathology.
Consider fellowship training for subspecialization.
Obtain board certification and state licensure.

More resources

American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) - Offers resources and certification for pathologists.
College of American Pathologists (CAP) - Provides education and advocacy for the pathology profession.
PathologyOutlines.com - An online resource for pathology reference.
American Board of Pathology - Information on board certification in pathology.
National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) - For those interested in forensic pathology.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.