What is a Pathologist?
A pathologist is a medical doctor who examines tissues and is responsible for the accuracy of laboratory tests. Pathologists interpret the results of these examinations and tests-information that is important for the patient's diagnosis and recovery. The pathologist and the patient's other doctors consult on which tests to order, test results, and appropriate treatments. Pathologists play a vital role on the patient's primary health care team.

Pathologists are problem-solvers, fascinated by the process of disease and eager to unlock medical mysteries, like AIDS and diabetes, using the tools of laboratory medicine and its sophisticated instruments and methods. Pathologists make it possible to apply scientific advances to improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnosis and treatment. In general, the earlier a disease is detected and treated, the greater the chance of a cure and the more cost-effective the treatment. Pathology plays a particularly important role in preventive medicine by ruling out diseases or detecting them early. For example, by reporting a high cholesterol level found with a blood test, the pathologist can help the patient's physician control the condition and prevent a heart attack or stroke.

Thirty years ago, physicians had relatively few laboratory tests to use to detect disease. With advances in biomedical science, over 2,000 tests on blood and body fluids are now available. Medical technologists and other laboratory personnel work with pathologists to insure that these tests are available to your physician when and where they are needed, and that the results are accurate. Pathologists often help to determine which test is most effective for a complete diagnosis.