Clinical Pathologist

Job Title

Clinical Pathologist Agency

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

College Station, Texas

Staff

Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) is an integral part of the Texas A&M University System (TAMUS). It consists of four lab locations spread across Texas; two full-service laboratories located in Canyon and College Station and two poultry laboratories in Center and Gonzales. TVMDL is the only state agency entirely dedicated to protecting animal and public health through diagnostic testing.

TVMDL is a state-of-the-art veterinary diagnostic laboratory that collects hundreds of data points concerning veterinary diagnostics and population health each day. TVMDL is a state agency under the TAMUS umbrella that serves the veterinary community and is an independent entity from the TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine. Texas A&M System employees are eligible for health, dental, vision, and life insurance programs for employees and their family.

Other standard benefits include generous retirement plans, Employee Assistance Program, Employee Wellness Program, flexible spending accounts, as well as paid holiday, sick, and vacation leave. In addition, TVMDL offers its employees opportunities to participate in an educational reimbursement plan; discounted diagnostic testing, veterinary care, and pet supplies; a formal career ladder for advancement; and continuing education opportunities.

• Performs diagnostic testing within the clinical pathology section.
• Tests would primarily include cytologic evaluation and interpretation, evaluation of blood smears, and interpretation of serum protein electrophoresis tracings.
• Consults with TVMDL clients.
• Assists laboratory staff with review and release of diagnostic test results.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in clinical pathology.
• Oversees sample processing and preparation performed by Technicians for certain specimens (e.g., bone marrow and fluid samples).
• Reviews submittal forms and interprets test requests/client instructions.
• Ensures appropriate test ordering in TVMDL’s laboratory information management system (LIMS) and ensures samples are fit for purpose of test.
• Performs cytologic evaluation and written interpretation of specimens submitted to TVMDL; interpretation of serum protein electrophoresis tracings and blood smears sent for pathologist review.
• Assists other clinical pathologists and anatomic pathologists with difficult cases.
• May work closely with Endocrinologists, Diagnostic Services, Section Heads and Veterinary Pathologists in the coordination and testing of multiply assigned cases.
• Serves as a section point of contact/subject matter resource for colleagues in other TVMDL sections or locations.
• Perform all work in accordance with validated test methods, SOPs, procedures, employee training and proficiency, and equipment standards, as applicable.
• Enters pathology reports into the Laboratory Information System (LIMS).
• Assists in review and release of clinical pathology results including, but not limited to, biochemical profiles, hematology tests, urinalysis, and endocrinology profiles.
• Interprets results that require complex subjective evaluation.
• Reviews and makes adjustments to observations, results and measurements by Technicians when scientifically appropriate.
• Leads efforts to identify, investigate and resolve unexpected results.
• May create new interpretative comments in LIMS.
• Communicates with clients via telephone, email, and in person to gather clinical history, clarify requests, discuss and interpret results, make recommendations, and address other issues related to case management.
• Solicits information to better assess the feasibility and need for potential testing.
• Resolves complex, confidential, or sensitive case issues with clients, contracting agencies, and other customers.
• May speak at industry conferences.
• Adheres and conforms to quality assurance and safety programs and procedures.
• Assists in identifying incidents of nonconformance and noncompliance.
• Actively participates in quality assurance and safety programs.
• Reviews quality assurance documents (Standard Operating Procedures, forms, etc.) to ensure clarity of instructions and perform trainings and testing within a timely manner.
• Is responsible for safe handling and disposal of hazardous chemicals when relevant.
• Reads, interprets, and performs all tests in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Reviews and recommends changes or improvements to section SOPs, procedures, forms or other documentation related to section protocols.
• Serves as the subject matter expert on applicable procedures conducted by the section, including cytology preparation, hematology, serum protein electrophoresis, etc.
• Responsible for continuing education and advancement of the section.
• When possible, writes interpretive comments, composes journal articles, presents scientific sessions, aids in test development, and participates in TVMDL case rounds and…