Find permanent physician & healthcare provider jobs

Pathology is the medical discipline within laboratory medicine dedicated to understanding the nature, causes, and progression of disease. Pathologists examine specimens ranging from biopsies and surgical resections to cytology samples and autopsies, delivering diagnoses that inform treatment planning across oncology, infectious disease, hematology, and beyond.

Pathologists practice across several core branches:

• Anatomic Pathology: Focuses on the examination of tissue specimens, surgical pathology, cytopathology, and autopsy pathology to identify structural and cellular changes associated with disease
• Clinical Pathology: Clinical pathology involves the oversight of laboratory operations including hematology, microbiology, chemistry, blood banking, and transfusion medicine, with an emphasis on interpreting clinical laboratory tests to support diagnosis
• Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP): Many pathologists are board certified in combined anatomic and clinical pathology, enabling them to practice across both disciplines
• Chemical Pathology: A subspecialty focused on the biochemical analysis of bodily fluids, chemical pathology plays an important role in diagnosing metabolic, endocrine, and systemic conditions
• Molecular Genetic Pathology: A formally recognized subspecialty applying molecular and genomic methods to inherited disease, cancer, infectious disease, pharmacogenomics, and other diagnostic areas

Beyond these core branches, pathologists may subspecialize further in areas such as forensic pathology, neuropathology, dermatopathology, hematopathology, and pediatric pathology. In all practice settings, pathologists collaborate closely with oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists to deliver accurate, timely diagnoses — including cancer diagnoses — that directly influence patient outcomes.

Physicians pursuing pathologist jobs have access to a wide range of career pathways within laboratory medicine and beyond, including:

• Hospital-Based Pathologist: Providing diagnostic services including anatomic and clinical pathology, frozen sections, and laboratory oversight within a health system
• Academic Pathologist: Teaching pathology trainees, conducting research in medical science, and advancing diagnostic innovation in university or medical school settings
• Reference Laboratory Pathologist: Interpreting high-volume laboratory tests across a broad geographic footprint, often with flexibility in work model
• Chemical Pathologist: Specializing in the biochemical analysis of blood tests and other bodily fluid samples to support metabolic and systemic disease diagnosis
• Molecular/Genomic Pathologist: Applying molecular pathology and molecular genetic pathology through molecular and genetic approaches and next-generation sequencing to support precision oncology, cancer diagnoses, and personalized medicine
• Medical Director or Laboratory Director: Leading clinical laboratory operations, quality programs, and regulatory compliance for health systems or independent labs
• Digital Pathology Specialist: Leveraging whole-slide imaging and AI-assisted diagnostic tools in emerging technology-forward roles

Pathologist roles are available across academic medical centers, community hospitals, private pathology groups, reference laboratories, government agencies, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

Demand for pathologists is projected to grow significantly in the years ahead. Current federal workforce projections indicate continued need for pathologists. HRSA projects pathology physician supply to reach approximately 84% of modeled national demand by 2038, suggesting a meaningful national shortfall if current workforce patterns persist. ASCP has separately estimated that approximately 3,000 additional pathologists may be needed by 2037.

This demand is driven by several converging factors, including an aging U.S. population with a growing burden of chronic disease, the rapid expansion of laboratory medicine and molecular pathology, and the retirement of a significant portion of the current pathologist workforce. The aging of the pathology workforce and eventual retirement of experienced pathologists remain important workforce-planning considerations.

Compensation for pathologists varies based on practice setting, subspecialty, geographic market, and experience level. Pathologists in private practice and reference laboratory settings often benefit from productivity-based incentives, while academic pathologists may receive supplemental compensation tied to research and administrative roles. For current compensation benchmarks, request our Annual Physician Compensation and Placement Summary. Many positions offer comprehensive benefits packages including health coverage, retirement plans, CME funding, and paid time off.

Tangible Benefits:

• Competitive compensation with productivity incentive potential
• Comprehensive health, dental, and retirement benefits
• CME allowances and professional development support
• Paid time off and, in some settings, flexible or remote work arrangements
• Relocation assistance or sign-on incentives in select markets

Intangible Benefits:

• Central role in cancer diagnoses and patient care across all specialties
• Intellectual engagement with complex medical science and scientifically rich casework
• Opportunities for subspecialization across anatomic pathology, chemical pathology, molecular pathology, molecular genetic pathology, and more
• Many pathology positions offer structured schedules, although overnight, weekend, and urgent-call responsibilities vary by subspecialty and practice model
• Growing relevance in the era of precision medicine and molecular and genetic approaches to diagnosis

Technical competencies vary substantially by primary certification and subspecialty.

Hard Skills:

• Expertise in anatomic pathology, including histopathology, cytopathology, and gross specimen examination
• Proficiency in immunohistochemistry, molecular pathology, and special staining techniques
• Ability to interpret clinical laboratory tests, flow cytometry, and next-generation sequencing data
• Knowledge of chemical pathology, clinical pathology, and laboratory medicine operations, regulatory compliance, and quality assurance
• Familiarity with digital pathology, computational tools, and AI-assisted technologies where used in the practice environment

Soft Skills:

• Precise attention to detail and diagnostic accuracy, particularly in complex cancer diagnoses
• Clear written and verbal communication for clinical colleagues and legal contexts
• Collaborative approach to multidisciplinary case conferences and tumor boards
• Adaptability to evolving molecular and genetic approaches and diagnostic methodologies
• Sound judgment under time-sensitive diagnostic conditions such as intraoperative consultation

Depending on primary certification, subspecialty, and practice setting, pathologists may:

• Examine tissue, cytology, and fluid specimens to render accurate diagnoses, including cancer diagnoses
• Perform or supervise gross dissection and specimen preparation
• Order, interpret, and communicate results from clinical laboratory testing
• Provide intraoperative frozen section consultations to surgical teams
• Oversee clinical laboratory operations and quality control programs within laboratory medicine
• Apply molecular pathology and molecular and genetic approaches to interpret genomic and molecular genetic pathology data
• Participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards and case conferences
• Communicate findings and consult directly with referring clinicians
• Supervise and train pathology residents, fellows, and laboratory staff
• Engage in quality improvement, research, or program development activities

The typical pathway to pathologist roles reflects the depth and rigor of advanced medical education required in this field:

• Undergraduate degree with premedical coursework in biological and medical science
• Medical school (MD or DO)
• Residency – typically 3 years for Anatomic Pathology or Clinical Pathology alone, or 4 years for combined Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP)
• Optional fellowship training in a subspecialty such as molecular pathology, molecular genetic pathology, chemical pathology, hematopathology, forensic pathology, or cytopathology
• Board certification through the American Board of Pathology (ABPath)
• Ongoing continuing medical education and participation in applicable ABPath Continuing Certification requirements

The advanced medical education required to practice pathology reflects the specialty's central role in laboratory medicine and its contribution to accurate cancer diagnoses and complex disease management across every clinical setting.

Advancing in pathology goes beyond mastery of diagnostic skills — it requires ongoing investment in advanced medical education, emerging technology, and leadership. Pathologists can pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialty areas such as molecular pathology, molecular genetic pathology, chemical pathology, neuropathology, or dermatopathology to deepen expertise and broaden their scope of practice within laboratory medicine.

Board certification and subspecialty certification through the American Board of Pathology are highly valued by employers and can position pathologists for academic appointments, medical director roles, and program leadership opportunities. Active participation in professional organizations such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP), the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP), and the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) provides access to continuing education, advocacy resources, and peer networks.

Pathologists interested in academic medicine may pursue research grants focused on molecular and genetic approaches to disease, teaching appointments, or editorial roles in peer-reviewed journals. Those in clinical practice can seek positions as laboratory directors, quality officers, or department chairs. Mentorship relationships — both formal and informal — are a valuable vehicle for professional growth and career navigation at every stage.

Pathology, like all medical specialties, presents both meaningful challenges and compelling opportunities. Pathologists navigate increasing specimen volumes, evolving regulatory requirements for laboratory operations, and the ongoing shift from traditional microscopy toward digital and computational diagnostics. Geographic disparities are expected to remain significant, as current federal projections anticipate substantially lower physician supply adequacy in nonmetropolitan communities overall.

At the same time, pathology is at the forefront of some of the most transformative developments in medical science. Advances in molecular pathology, molecular genetic pathology, and molecular and genetic approaches to diagnosis are redefining how cancer diagnoses are made and how inherited and infectious diseases are detected and treated. Artificial intelligence tools are being integrated into anatomic pathology and laboratory medicine workflows to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Digital pathology platforms are expanding access and enabling remote consultation across geographic boundaries, including for anatomic and clinical pathology interpretation and chemical pathology analysis.

Telepathology in particular is opening new pathologist roles in underserved markets, allowing physicians to practice with greater flexibility while addressing unmet diagnostic needs. Pathologists who embrace technology, pursue subspecialization, and engage actively in advanced medical education and professional development are exceptionally well-positioned to lead in this evolving landscape.

1. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). ASCP Deepens Commitment to Pathologist Workforce Development. https://www.ascp.org/news/news-details/2025/09/11/ascp-deepens-commitment-to-pathologist-workforce-development
2. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Pathologist supply and demand projections cited via ASCP workforce initiative report, 2025.
3. Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Addressing the Physician Workforce Shortage. March 2024. https://www.aamc.org/advocacy-policy/addressing-physician-workforce-shortage
4. Connexis Search Group. Navigating the Pathologist Shortage. May 2025. https://blog.connexissearch.com/employersblog/navigating-the-pathologist-shortage
5. College of American Pathologists (CAP). New Study Reveals Pathologists Workforce Undercounted by Nearly 40%. April 2024. https://newsroom.cap.org/advocacy/new-study-reveals-pathologists-workforce-undercounted-by-nearly-40-
6. American Board of Pathology (ABPath). Board certification information. https://www.abpath.org