Pathology

To round out the possibilities as a doctor, pathology is a unique specialty which does not have its own patient service but rather supports other physicians. Pathologists are consulted to interpret biopsies, tissue samples, urine, blood, sputum, etc. as well as conduct autopsies to propel medical knowledge forward. In general, they have the greatest amount of basic science knowledge using many standard research techniques (cell culture, PCR, antibodies). There is no night call. Anatomic pathology involves autopsies, cytopathology, and surgical pathology whereas clinical pathology includes hematology, microbiology, clinical chemistry, and blood banking. Pathologists often have research and teaching positions. Although they used to make a great deal of compensation, that has been decreasing. Training consists of a clinical year plus a three year clinical or anatomic pathology residency or four year combined residency. Subspecialties include neuropathology (2 years), forensic pathology, dermatopathology, blood banking, chemical pathology, pediatric pathology, hematology, cytopathology, and medical microbiology (1 year).