Pathologist
びょうりがくい
Industry & Occupation
Classification
- Major : Medical, Nursing, and Health Occupations
- Middle : Physicians, Dentists, Veterinarians, and Pharmacists
- Minor : Physicians
Summary
Specialist physician who analyzes patient tissues and cells using microscopes and immuno-molecular techniques to diagnose diseases and elucidate pathologies.
Description
Pathologists analyze biopsy tissues and cytology samples obtained from patients using microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and molecular pathology techniques to diagnose diseases and elucidate pathologies. Additionally, they may perform autopsies to determine causes of death and conduct medical research. They collaborate with clinicians to prepare diagnostic reports that contribute to treatment decisions, and also engage in research activities through presentations at conferences and paper writing.
Future Outlook
With the progression of an aging society, demand for pathological diagnosis of diseases such as cancer is increasing. The adoption of AI-assisted diagnosis and digital pathology will make acquiring new technologies and building remote diagnosis systems important. Demand for molecular pathology is also rising, and further integration between clinical practice and research is expected.
Personality Traits
Analytical Orientation / Cautious / Research-Oriented / Sharp Observation Skills / Strong Sense of Responsibility
Work Style
Hospital Employment / Pharmaceutical Company Research / Private Laboratory Employment / Remote Possible / University Hospital Employment
Career Path
Initial Residency Physician → Pathology Residency Physician → Pathology Specialist → Pathology Department Director → University Hospital Lecturer / Associate Professor / Professor
Required Skills
Autopsy / Cytology Examination / Immunohistochemistry / Microscopy / Molecular Pathology Diagnosis / Report Writing
Recommended Skills
Digital Pathology / Electron Microscopy / English Paper Reading / Genetic Analysis / PACS Operation
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Analytical & Logical Thinking | Advanced logical thinking is required to diagnose tissue images and infer pathologies. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | High attention to detail is necessary to not miss subtle cellular abnormalities. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Essential to acquire new diagnostic techniques and epidemiological knowledge. |
| Problem Solving | Required to derive optimal diagnoses in complex cases. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Mainly involves microscopy and writing tasks, so physical demands are relatively low. |
Related Qualifications
- Certified Pathologist by the Japanese Society of Pathology
- Physician License
Aliases
- Diagnostic Pathologist
- Pathologist
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