Pathology
American Board of Pathology
4830 Kennedy Blvd., Suite 690
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 286-2444
www.abpath.org
A Pathologist deals with the causes and nature of the disease
and contributes to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. This specialist uses information gathered from the microscopic examination of tissue specimens, cells, and body fluids, and from clinical laboratory tests on body fluids and secretions for the diagnosis, exclusion, and monitoring of disease.
To acknowledge the diverse activities in the practice of pathology and to accommodate the interests of individuals wanting to enter the field, the American Board of Pathology offers primary certification through the following three routes: Pathology-Anatomic/Pathology-Clinical, Pathology-Anatomic or Pathology-Clinical. A variety of subspecialty certificates are offered. Primary certification in Pathology-Anatomic or Pathology-Clinical may be combined with some of the subspecialty certifications.
To become certified in a particular subspecialty, a physician must be Board Certified by the American Board of Pathology and complete additional training as specified by the Member Board.
Subspecialties:
and contributes to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the biological, chemical, and physical sciences. This specialist uses information gathered from the microscopic examination of tissue specimens, cells, and body fluids, and from clinical laboratory tests on body fluids and secretions for the diagnosis, exclusion, and monitoring of disease.
Blood Banking
A Pathologist who specializes in Blood Banking/ Transfusion Medicine is responsible for the maintenance of an adequate blood supply, blood donor and patient-recipient safety, and appropriate blood utilization.
Pre-transfusion compatibility testing and antibody testing assure those blood transfusions, when indicated, are as safe as possible.
This specialist directs the preparation and safe use of specially prepared blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma constituents, and marrow or stem cells for transplantation.
Clinical Informatics
Clinical Informaticians use their knowledge of patient care combined with their understanding of informatics concepts, methods and tools to: asses information and knowledge needs of health care professionals and patients; characterize, evaluate and refine clinical processes; develop, implement and refine clinical decision support systems; and lead or participate in the procurement, customization, development, implementation, management, evaluation and continuous improvement of clinical information system.
Neuropathology
A Neuropathologist is expert in the diagnosis of diseases of the nervous system and skeletal muscles and functions as a consultant primarily to Neurologists and Neurosurgeons.
This specialist is knowledgeable in the infirmities of humans as they affect the nervous and neuromuscular systems, be they degenerative, infectious, metabolic, immunologic, neoplastic, vascular or physical in nature.
Pathology-Chemical
A Chemical Pathologist has expertise in the biochemistry of the human body as it applies to the understanding of the cause and progress of the disease.
This specialist functions as a clinical consultant in the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Chemical Pathology entails the application of biochemical data to the detection, confirmation, or monitoring of disease.
Pathology-Hematology
A Hematopathologist is an expert in diseases that affect blood cells, blood clotting mechanisms, bone marrow, and lymph nodes.
This specialist has the knowledge and technical skills essential for the laboratory diagnosis of anemias, leukemias, lymphomas, bleeding disorders, and blood clotting disorders.
Pathology-Medical Microbiology
A Medical Microbiologist is an expert in the isolation and identification of microbial agents that cause infectious diseases.
Viruses, bacteria, and fungi, as well as parasites, are identified and, where possible, tested for susceptibility to appropriate antimicrobial agents.
Pathology-Molecular Genetic
A Molecular Genetic Pathologist is an expert in the principles, theory, and technologies of molecular biology and molecular genetics. This expertise is used to make or confirm diagnoses of Mendelian genetic disorders, disorders of human development, infectious diseases, and malignancies and to assess the natural history of those disorders.
The Molecular Genetic Pathologist provides information about gene structure, function, and alteration and applies laboratory techniques for diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for individuals with related disorders.
Pathology-Pediatric
A Pediatric Pathologist is an expert in the laboratory diagnosis of diseases that occur during fetal growth, infancy, and child development.
The practice requires a strong foundation in general pathology and a substantial understanding of normal growth and development, along with extensive knowledge of pediatric medicine.