Pathology

Pathology is the study and diagnosis of disease through examination of organs, tissues, bodily fluids and whole bodies (Autopsy).

The term also encompasses the related scientific study of disease processes, called General pathology.

Pathologists are physicians who diagnose and characterize disease in living patients by examining biopsies or bodily fluid. The vast majority of cancer diagnoses are made or confirmed by a pathologist.

Pathologists may also conduct autopsies to investigate causes of death. Pathology is a core discipline of medical school and many pathologists are also teachers.

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 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 College of American Pathologists.

The organization of subspecialties within pathology vary between nations but usually include anatomical pathology and clinical pathology.

See Wikipedia, Pathology.
 

Dishman, Leonardo  MD