Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing diseases based on the microscopic examination of bodily fluids, tissues, and organs. They use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to interpret laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures.
Aside from that, these specialists also examine specimens under a microscope to determine if cancerous cells are present. Pathologists work in private practice or in hospitals, where they conduct research or teach medical students. So if you want to be a successful pathologist like Dr Joy Trueblood, then read to know what educational requirements are there to become a part of this specialized field.
Get The Required Bachelor’s Degree
Most medical schools require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in biology or life sciences. Some schools offer a program in forensic pathology, while others may offer an anatomic pathology program or clinical pathology program. In addition, some schools offer programs in molecular pathology and histology that can prepare you for medical school if you are interested in pursuing one of these areas.
Go To A Renowned Medical School
Generally, medical school is a four-year program, which students typically complete after earning a bachelor’s degree. During their undergraduate studies, pre-med students take classes in biology, chemistry, and other sciences. They also must complete coursework in humanities and social sciences that are required for admission to medical school.
Before applying to medical schools, students must take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). The test has three sections: physical sciences; verbal reasoning, and biological sciences Each section in the admission test has multiple subsections within it. The total score on this exam ranges from 472 to 528 points out of 800 possible points.
In addition to getting good grades during your undergraduate years – especially in your pre-med classes, another way you can ensure success as a future pathologist is by choosing an appropriate major or minor, which must be related directly to healthcare fields, such as nursing or pharmacy.
Complete The Required Residency Program
To become a pathologist, you will need to complete the needed residency program. Pathologists are required to complete a post-graduate training program that lasts between three and seven years, depending on the type of pathology they want to specialize in.
The length of the particular residency program that you need to complete depends on the type of pathology you want to specialize in – whether it be anatomic or clinical – and the type of accredited residency program that you chose.
During this time, you’ll gain experience diagnosing diseases through examining tissue samples under microscopes, performing autopsies, examining blood cells for signs of infection or disease, performing tests on body fluids like urine or spinal fluid, testing organs such as livers for cancerous growths, and analyzing cells from biopsies taken during surgical operations.
Pathologists Who Want To Specialize Can Attend Postdoctoral Programs
Finally, Dr Joy Trueblood states that pathologists who want to specialize in a subspecialty can attend postdoctoral programs offered in several pathology subspecialties. For one, those who specialize in anatomic pathology study disease and injury of organs, tissues, and cells.
Clinical pathologists work with physicians on patient care, monitoring treatment responses, and identifying abnormalities that need further investigation by other specialists. Lastly, forensic pathologists investigate suspicious deaths and perform autopsies on deceased persons whose deaths have not been investigated properly.
