Medical Subject Headings (MeSH): Pathologists

Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in the study of the cause, nature, and effects of disease. They use laboratory tests and procedures to diagnose and study disease, injury, and other medical conditions. Pathologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private laboratories. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as primary care physicians, oncologists, and surgeons, to provide the best care for patients.

There are several subspecialties within pathology, including:

Anatomic pathology: which involves the study of diseased tissues and organs

Clinical pathology: which involves the study of blood and other body fluids

Forensic pathology: which involves the examination of bodies to determine the cause of death in cases of suspected homicide, suicide, or accident

Pathologist’s assistant: who work closely with pathologist to provide support in anatomic pathology by performing dissections, embedding, and staining of tissue sections

Pathologists often work in a laboratory setting, analyzing samples of blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids to identify abnormal cells or the presence of disease. They also perform autopsies to determine the cause of death and to gather information that can be used in legal proceedings.

Overall, Pathologists play an important role in healthcare by helping to diagnose and understand disease, which ultimately leads to better treatments and improved outcomes for patients.