Direct the performance and/or perform autopsies and coordinate teaching and research activities with medical staff. Teach laboratory personnel and medical students in various aspects of clinical autopsy procedures.

Under minimal direction of the Staff Pathologist, positions in this class are distinguished by the responsibility for planning and carrying out clinical autopsies as well as coordination of all details related to needs of medical teaching staff for acquisition of teaching specimens, and of authorized researchers for research specimens.

Evaluate validity of autopsy consent form prior to performing autopsy and maintain appropriate autopsy charts and records;

Coordinate autopsy with Hospital Admitting and Autopsy Service of Hospital Pathology;

Direct the performance and/or independently perform autopsy to include evisceration, dissection of organs, preparation and use of fixatives, histology tissue preparation, and specimen photography (gross and miscroscopic) for review by the Pathologist;

Assure body cleanliness and restoration prior to delivery to funeral director;

Specimen collection: sorting, classifying, encoding, preserving, and storing specimens for teaching purposes;

Coordinate and schedule teaching and reserve activities with medical staff and faculty;

May instruct pathology residents, medical students, and Histology Technology students in autopsy procedures;

Prepare specimens for scheduled medical conferences;

May perform various histologic techniques (including all standard histological procedures, histochemical techniques, preparation of teaching sets, quality control of glass microscope slides, etc.);

Clean and maintain autopsy suite and purchase necessary supplies;

Provide liaison with outside agencies and institutions;

Be available for, and assist in, working up new developmental procedures in the pathology department;

Perform related duties as required.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Associate of Arts Degree in biological science and one year of relevant pathology experience with autopsy emphasis, or degree in biological science and six months' histological experience.

Degree in a related biological science and six months' relevant anatomic pathology experience, equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

New Class: 3-23-78
Revise MQ: 7-2-90
Revised new class code: (formerly 6362) effective July 1, 2007