Pathology As A Medical Specialty
Pathologists are physicians who diagnose and characterize disease in living patients by examining biopsies or bodily fluid. Pathologists infrequently conduct autopsies to investigate causes of death. Pathology is a core discipline of medical school and many pathologists are also instructors. As managers of medical laboratories, pathologists play an important role in the development of laboratory information systems. Although the medical practice of pathology grew out of the tradition of investigative pathology, most modern pathologists do not perform original research.
Pathology is a unique medical specialty in that pathologists typically do not see patients directly, but rather serve as consultants to other physicians (often referred to as "clinicians" within the pathology community). To be licensed, candidates must complete medical training, an approved residency program and be certified by an appropriate body. In the US, certification is by the American Board of Pathology or the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology. The organization of subspecialties within pathology varies between nations, but usually includes anatomical pathology and clinical pathology.
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