How do I Become a Clinical Pathologist?

In order to work as a clinical pathologist in the United States, you must complete a rigorous educational program. To begin, you must have a bachelor’s degree in a life science, preferably biology. If at all possible, you should enroll in a pre-med program while still an undergraduate to ensure that you are taking the appropriate courses for medical school admission. Once you’ve completed medical school, you’ll need to be an M.D. or a PhD. in Pathology to work as a clinical pathologist. Once you’ve finished school, you should become board certified in the states where you want to work.

You must have exceptional communication skills to be a good candidate for this type of work. You must be able to write well in order to effectively communicate your ideas when writing reports, letters, or emails. You should also be able to communicate with others in a clear and understandable manner, especially to those who are not medical professionals. Many jobs require you to make formal presentations on occasion, so it would be advantageous if you are comfortable speaking in front of large groups.

If you want to be a clinical pathologist, you should be able to work in high-stress situations. Those who work well under pressure and can meet tight deadlines are ideal candidates for this position. Your employer may have high expectations for you, so you need to have the type of personality that is adaptable to changing demands. You could also be in charge of investigating complaints about other doctors or testing. Because of the numerous responsibilities placed upon them, some professionals in this field may feel overwhelmed at times.

In order to be successful in this field, you must be computer literate. The majority of your time will be spent entering various types of data into software systems that have been specifically designed for medical professionals. If you are used to working with computers, you should have no trouble adjusting to your new workplace. You may be responsible for supervising other workers if you want to be a successful clinical pathologist, so having strong leadership skills is also advantageous.