Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in the examination
of tissue and blood samples to diagnose disease and who perform
autopsies.
Pathologists analyze and evaluate all tissues removed from people
by such procedures as surgery or biopsy. They also are in charge of the
clinical laboratories that analyze blood and body fluid samples. For example,
when a person has a mole removed or has a Pap test, a pathologist examines the
specimen to determine the diagnosis. Treatment decisions are often made based
on the pathology report.
Pathologists can be board-certified in a number of subspecialties
through the American Board of Pathology, which is recognized by the American
Board of Medical Specialities.