Top 10 Questions for Attending Pathologist Interview

1. Can you describe the key steps involved in performing a post-mortem examination?

• Obtain informed consent from the family or legal representative.
• Conduct a thorough external examination of the body, including photographs.
• Make an incision and examine the internal organs.
• Collect tissue samples for further analysis.
• Document the findings in a report.

2. What are the different types of biopsies and when would you use each type?

• Fine-needle aspiration: Used to collect cells from a lump or mass.
• Core needle biopsy: Used to collect a small piece of tissue from a lump or mass.
• Excisional biopsy: Used to remove an entire lump or mass.
• Endoscopic biopsy: Used to collect tissue samples from the digestive tract.
• Skin biopsy: Used to collect tissue samples from the skin.

3. You have been asked to perform a frozen section on a surgical specimen. Can you explain the process and when it is used?

• A frozen section is a histopathologic examination of tissue that is frozen and cut into thin sections.
• It is used to provide a rapid diagnosis during surgery, so that the surgeon can make decisions about the extent of the surgery.
• The process involves freezing the tissue, cutting it into thin sections, and staining the sections so that they can be examined under a microscope.

4. What are the key features of a malignant neoplasm?

• Uncontrolled growth and proliferation.
• Invasion of surrounding tissues.
• Metastasis to distant sites.
• Anaplasia (loss of differentiation).
• Increased nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio.

5. What are the different types of immunohistochemical stains and how are they used in pathology?

• Immunohistochemistry is a technique used to detect the presence of specific proteins in tissue samples.
• Antibodies are used to bind to the target proteins, and then a chromogen is added to visualize the binding.
• Immunohistochemical stains are used to identify different types of cells, to diagnose diseases, and to predict the prognosis of patients.

6. You are presented with a case of a patient with a suspected infectious disease. Explain the steps you would take to diagnose the infection.

• Take a detailed history from the patient, including symptoms, travel history, and exposures.
• Perform a physical examination to look for signs of infection.
• Order laboratory tests, such as blood cultures, urine cultures, and sputum cultures.
• Consider imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, to look for evidence of infection.
• Consult with infectious disease specialists if necessary.

7. How would you approach a case of a patient with a suspected genetic disorder?

• Take a detailed family history to look for patterns of inheritance.
• Perform a physical examination to look for physical features that are associated with genetic disorders.
• Order genetic tests, such as karyotyping or DNA sequencing.
• Consult with geneticists if necessary.

8. What are the key features of a well-written pathology report?

• Clear and concise language
• Accurate and complete description of the findings
• Diagnosis or differential diagnosis
• Prognosis and recommendations for further testing or treatment

9. You are asked to review a case of a patient with a suspected malignancy. What factors would you consider when making your diagnosis?

• Histologic features of the tumor
• Immunohistochemical stains
• Molecular studies
• Clinical history of the patient
• Radiologic findings

10. How would you handle a case of a patient with a suspected sudden cardiac death?

• Perform a thorough autopsy to look for evidence of cardiac disease.
• Review the medical history of the patient, including any history of heart problems.
• Order toxicology tests to look for evidence of drug use or poisoning.
• Consult with cardiologists if necessary.

Attending Pathologists are highly skilled medical professionals who are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases through the examination of body tissues and fluids. They play a critical role in patient care by providing accurate and timely diagnoses that guide treatment decisions.

1. Diagnostic Pathology

Attending Pathologists perform microscopic examinations of tissues and fluids to identify and diagnose diseases. They analyze cell morphology, tissue architecture, and molecular markers to determine the nature and extent of disease processes. They also interpret laboratory tests and imaging studies to support their diagnoses.

• Examine biopsies and surgical specimens to determine the presence and type of disease.
• Interpret laboratory tests and imaging studies to support diagnoses.
• Provide consultations on difficult cases.

2. Surgical Pathology

Attending Pathologists assist surgeons during surgical procedures to provide real-time pathological assessment of tissues. They perform frozen section biopsies to determine the nature of lesions and guide surgical decisions. They also evaluate surgical margins to ensure complete tumor removal.

• Perform frozen section biopsies during surgery to provide rapid diagnoses.
• Evaluate surgical margins to ensure complete tumor removal.
• Provide guidance to surgeons during surgical procedures.

3. Cytopathology

Attending Pathologists analyze cells obtained from various body fluids and tissues to diagnose diseases. They interpret cytology slides and perform aspiration biopsies to identify abnormalities and determine the nature of lesions.

• Examine cytology slides and perform aspiration biopsies.
• Identify abnormalities and determine the nature of lesions.
• Provide diagnoses and recommendations for patient management.

4. Molecular Pathology

Attending Pathologists use molecular techniques to analyze genetic and epigenetic changes in tissues and cells. They perform molecular assays to identify mutations, deletions, and amplifications that are associated with different diseases.

• Perform molecular assays to identify genetic and epigenetic changes.
• Interpret molecular data and correlate it with pathological findings.
• Provide recommendations for personalized patient treatment.

Attending Pathologists are in high demand, and the competition for these positions can be intense. To increase your chances of success, it is essential to prepare thoroughly for your interview. Here are some tips to help you ace your interview:

1. Research the Position and the Organization

Take the time to learn about the specific position you are applying for and the organization that is hiring. Visit the organization’s website, read their mission statement, and familiarize yourself with their research and clinical interests. This will show the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the position and that you have taken the time to learn about the organization.

• Visit the organization’s website and read their mission statement.
• Familiarize yourself with their research and clinical interests.
• Identify any specific areas of expertise that are relevant to the position.

2. Practice Your Answers to Common Interview Questions

There are certain questions that are commonly asked in pathology interviews. Take the time to practice your answers to these questions so that you can deliver them confidently and concisely. Some common pathology interview questions include:

• Tell me about your experience with diagnostic pathology.
• Describe a time when you had to use your clinical judgment to make a difficult diagnosis.
• What are your research interests?
• Why are you interested in this position?

3. Prepare Questions to Ask the Interviewer

Asking thoughtful questions at the end of the interview shows the interviewer that you are engaged and interested in the position. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more about the organization and the position itself. Some good questions to ask include:

• What are the organization’s goals for the next year?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the pathology department?
• What are the opportunities for professional development within the organization?

4. Dress Professionally and Behave Courteously

First impressions matter, so it is important to dress professionally and behave courteously during your interview. Arrive on time, make eye contact, and be respectful of the interviewer’s time. This will show the interviewer that you are a serious candidate who is interested in the position.

• Dress professionally in a suit or business casual attire.
• Arrive on time for your interview.
• Make eye contact and be respectful of the interviewer’s time.