A histopathologist is a medical doctor who specializes in
the study of human or animal tissue. More specifically, a histopathologist is
responsible for providing data that helps determine a cause for certain diseases
or that pinpoints the progression of a disease. To become a histopathologist,
one must be comfortable in a laboratory setting because this is where the
majority of the work will probably be completed. Histopathologists must complete
several years of education and be appropriately certified to work in this
field.In order to become a histopathologist, candidates must have completed
medical school or veterinarian school. In addition, qualified individuals will
also have a board certification in pathology. Extensive scientific experience is
usually a necessity, and in many places of employment, training as a molecular
pathologist is also desirable. People who want to become a histopathologist
should have extensive technical capabilities so that they can successfully adapt
to a variety of different laboratory situations or requirements that may be
unique to the particular job for which they have been hired. Many job postings
will specifically mention certain technical requirements that potential
candidates must meet in order to be eligible for consideration. Some of those
technical requirements include direct experience in nucleic acid detection
methods as applied to tissue samples and experience in the development of novel
protein. To become a histopathologist and meet with success in the workplace,
candidates should have a broad range of knowledge and understanding of both
pathological and clinical components of different types of disease. In some
situations, these professionals may come in direct contact with patients in
order to obtain tissue samples, but this is really not the norm for most
positions. Some career positions within this field also allow professionals to
conduct quite a bit of research. In some cases, histopathologists may even be
required by their employer to conduct a certain amount of clinical research each
year so that they can contribute to professional journals. Some of the most
successful people in this field reportedly have an excellent problem solving
mentality, visual pattern recognition skills, and the ability to work as a
member of a team. It is also quite beneficial to have an inquisitive mind, the
ability to make decisions independently, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
Communication is a key component of being an effective histopathologist, so it
is important for candidates to have the ability to communicate orally and in
writing in a straightforward, logical manner. |