Hi there! Any shadowing opportunities under a PA or grossing tech in the Boston area? Im interested in autopsy shadowing but I’m open to anything. Currently a 4th year biology student who’s about to enter her final semester. Any help would be much appreciated.

Hey all! I have a friend who accepted a new position at an institution that will have PA students. I told them I’d reach out here to see if any of you who also have students had any tips for someone who has never taught students before. What things did you know now you wish you knew with that first student? Any other general tips?

Hey guys, this may be a silly question but I need clarification.

I moved from a site where the breast surgeons used biopsy clips to a site where the surgeons exclusively use localization wires. I was under the impression that where the wire ended in the specimen was the biopsy site. Sometimes we get specimens where the wire completely passes through the specimen. In that case, what would the biopsy site be? Does the entire specimen become the biopsy site? I hope I’m making sense.

Hi,

I'm a year and a half into my first job. To make a long story short, it has been nothing but a shit show the whole time I've been here. I've been forced to cover my coworker for approximately 3 months the past year, I've been yelled at for sitting down when all of my cases had been grossed and there was nothing to work on, and I was chewed out for being 5 minutes late as a salaried employee. Just really petty and childish stuff.

I'm now currently in a position where I'm doing the work of 2 PAs with little to no support (my coworker quit, smart of her). Friday, I received a long-winded email from my manager falsely accusing me of intentionally holding cases and taking advantage of our other hospital (where I've sent a handful of gallbladders and appendices to help with the workload).

I'm exhausted. I don't know what to do outside of emailing a resignation and never showing up again. If I wrote everything in this post that has happened at this job, it would be so long no one would ever want to read it. I don't have a contract and am in an at-will state, so technically I can quit whenever I would like. I know this would be highly unprofessional, but I've reached my breaking point. I guess I'm just looking for advice or words of wisdom.

TIA!

I was looking into getting this one https://www.amazon.com/Gross-Pathology-Handbook-Guide-Descriptive/dp/1550599097/ref=asc_df_1550599097/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=692875362841&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3788658441933417252&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9051515&hvtargid=pla-2281435178138&psc=1&mcid=3c5089fa302b382abb07918fbc1c9e08&hvocijid=3788658441933417252-1550599097-&hvexpln=73

This is somewhat related to education but more career experiences. I'm wondering if it's common for people to crossover from MLS to PathA careers or viceversa, and if any of you have experience with that or know of others who do.

For context, I'm not necessarily looking to do this, but I did see a program offering BS-MLS/ MS-PathA, and it made me curious as to whether this is a common demand/interest for actual practicing Pathologist's Assistants + Medical Laboratory Scientists, that there's enough instances of people switching careers or even doing both?

I did ask in r/medlabprofessionals but I didn't get any replies, and I thought my actual question might be better answered here than in the student subreddit for aspiring PathAs.

Thanks in advance, let me know if I should post in the student subreddit after all.

Question for all of you: the CAP protocols list a few different criteria for what is considered renal sinus invasion. One of which is “tumor in contact with renal sinus fat”. Is your all’s interpretation of that to mean as long as you see tumor abutting the sinus fat you call it gross invasion? Does the presence of a tumor capsule change anything in that respect? I’ve heard mixed things from other PAs on what is true invasion of the sinus fat and wanted to get a consensus here.

Hey everyone, I’m looking at applying to a wider variety of PA schools and was interested in some that are in Canada. Does anyone have experience going to Canada for school then coming back to take ASCP exam and work? Some schools don’t have any info on students taking ASCP exam.

I work with a path tech who is applying to the upcoming cycle at WVU. She said within the interview process there will be a “writing component and an activity.” Can anyone who interviewed at this program in recent years speak to either of these elements? They seem pretty vague and she’d like to have an idea of what to expect. Thanks!

I’m wondering what you all think about a designated PA for hospital autopsies. With grossing, teaching, administration, etc. And how working with residents comes into play. What are all the things that need to be done by PAs in hospital autopsy services that aren’t autopsy related, like admin and consent etc.

Hi there! I am a senior currently and am extremely interested in continuing my education and getting my masters. I am currently interning in a lab doing product formulation, was easier getting this paid internship through school than finding a PA to shadow.

Any advice would be amazing too (: thank you. I really enjoy this sub and learning and seeing what you all do makes me more excited for the future in this field!

I am going into my clinical rotations soon, and was wondering if any experienced PAs have any recommendations for shoes that are both comfortable and easy to clean? Thanks!

Let's say that hypothetically, I'm a college undergrad in college looking into pathology...but I'm currently set to graduate with an art major and a science minor. I landed in a pathology class by pure chance and I'd love to learn more about how to pursue any pathological career out of undergrad, or if I'll even be able to with my current art concentration?

I'm open to medical illustration as a career path as well, I just have no idea how one becomes a pathologist (or even what career options include pathological content, or if there is a particular path through undergrad / grad school that I might be able to take)...please help??

I applied to UTMBs pathologists assistant program for the 2025 cycle and the longer I wait to hear back the more nervous I'm getting!

So my application was sent in completion (all letters of rec submitted) about a month ago, and I completed the secondary application. How long does it usually take to schedule an interview after all that is submitted?? I've read it can be anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months depending on the school, but the wait is killing me :(

Also, regarding the secondary application... I was expecting maybe another essay or something, but it was just questions about like residency and then I had to pay $40??? Is this normal? Did I miss something? Did I get scammed??? Lol please help!

For those who have applied, please share your experiences, tips, and grievances- I really appreciate it!

Hello, hope everyone is doing well. Sorry in advance if I am not supposed to ask this sort of question here. I am a prospective Pathologists' Assistant student wondering if there are any Pathologists' Assistants in the GTA area who are able and willing to allow me to shadow them or if anyone has any ideas on how I can get shadowing (in Ontario, Canada - preferably near the GTA)? I appreciate any advice, thank you!

Hi,

What is your lab's protocol when no tumor is found in a lung resection specimen?

I just looked at the lung specimen again today and could not find obvious tumor.

I'm a pathology resident and the attending pathologist told me that I should call the surgeon or escalate to the vice chair of anatomic pathology.

If I can't find the tumor that is.

What do you guys do?

Thanks.

Hi all, I'm applying to PA school next year. I'm in my 30s with a whole family. Is there anyone who has been in my shoes? How were you able to navigate and balance school and home life with kids? Did the whole family move with you? I know this is a huge sacrifice, but this is temporary and for the betterment of our future. Also, do schools typically ask about kids and take that into consideration when accepting you into a program?

Hi I am 20 years old and live in southern California. I am confused about what I want for my future and am feeling very conflicted about my career choice. I’ve recently found out about this career and I’m very interested in it but would like to make sure what exactly a pathologist assistant does. I am new to healthcare and don’t know how the whole shadowing process works so I’m sorry if this is informal or not how it’s done but if any pathologist assistant that is in Southern California (preferably San Diego) is willing to let me shadow them for an evening or a shift or even a couple of hours I would be super grateful.

I paid my dues for a fellow membership early October and my account is still under review-- is this the typical wait time?? I'm hoping my situation is not a result of unfortunate timing.

I was corresponding with someone at AAPA who was assisting me (he told me converting from 'student membership' to 'fellow' was problematic and to make a whole new account). I did so, paid my dues and ::radio silence:: I have contacted AAPA through their website and, after pestering my contact, was informed that his company, Association Development Services, no longer manages AAPA so he can't help me out! I've left voice messages to AAPA as well.

My license needs to be renewed mid-November and I need those 15 Advanced Staging credits to square everything away. I figured that a little over a month (when I originally paid) would have been sufficient to fulfill this but I'm SOL at the moment.

Any assistance would be appreciated!

EDIT: Thank you to u/gnomes616.

I ended up having to "cold-DM" people based off of who I could find from the AAPA website and connected with someone who eventually put me in toucn with the right people. It sounds like the new management company is in place and is slowly but surely settling in. I finally have access to my AAPA account :)

Does anyone know what the smiley face emoji means on the OR schedule? It’s usually under the anesthesia column. We have powerchart and I’m not sure if it’s used on other platforms. Just curious!

Does anyone know how many applications are sent to all 12/14 schools and how many are accepted?

Also how hard is it to get in compared to an MD/PA program?

Hey, I’m a current pathology resident who took a “moonlighting” position at my program as a PA (work history) because most of our PAs just quit, our lead histo tech and manager quit, the autopsy and anatomic lab manager quit, and our accessioner walked out and quit yesterday in middle of the day. To answer any questions, our hospital paid them jack shit and gave them garbage benefits, and this is what happens when you abuse employees. They were great people, and seem to have found great jobs.

Anyways, machine-wise, I have no idea what I’m doing. Our cassette labeler broke down today (and our fridge, so it’s been fun). Blank cassettes are still printing. Apparently they had someone come in to fix it, and I can see that they put a sticker on it claiming to have calibrated the print hand and claimed it was “repaired and functioning properly.” It’s still printing blank cassettes, but the ink itself seems to be fine. I printed off a test cassette and it’s blank, so I think there’s still an issue with the machine itself. Has anyone else had this problem?

So quick random question. What book did you use in school during your training to be a Pathologists’ Assistant? Did your school use a different book than the other schools, why?

A PA with less experience than me was hired for more than I am currently making… is this normal in the field or is it just a bad reflection of my employer? I plan to address the issue with my boss and ask for more money.. but was curious what others’ experience has been?

Here's the gist. I'm very passionate about this career, and have had my mind set on it for 4 years now. However, its looking bleak for me being able to be accepted into grad programs just because I have professors who just cannot teach. I'm currently in my sophomore year and this is the first time I've ever had a failing grade in a biology class. I got an F on an exam that I was prepared for just because I didn't answer the questions in the way he wanted, despite having the answer correct. I can't protest this.

As such, I'm extremely worried for my future because to be frank, I want to transfer but my credits in my Bio and Math courses from last year wouldn't transfer. I know you can explain unusual circumstances grade-wise in applications. If I can't pass a class I would otherwise be passing in because of this, how would this impact my future prospects?

Edit: Thanks for the feedback. It seems like my mindset is what is holding me back.

I’m a new grossing technician and have seen this instrument (the forceps not the blade) in many videos, but can’t seem to see what the name for it is?

Hi guys, thinking about the cost of living during grad school is really freaking me out. I’m from California so my only option is Loma Linda. Im probably gonna have to go out of state. So my question is.. how did you handle moving out of your home state to go to school? Are there programs with student housing ? How much time can you really allocate for a job during school?

Wondering how are the job opportunities and pay/cost of living in this area?

Hi everyone, I discovered this profession last year. Was super interested. Then got a new job and kinda put it on the back burner. I keep finding myself coming back to it, even with getting myself ready for applying to nursing programs. I’m ready to start my career, and I want to know if I have a chance at this? I graduated in 2021 with my bachelors in physiology and anatomy (GPA 3.8). I was a 911 and emergency department EMT. Now, I work for an OPO doing dissecting of human cadavers for tissue donation. I have about 5 hours of autopsy shadowing and I will have some surgical pathology shadowing soon. My love for anatomy, physiology, and dissection keeps me coming back.

Im just so lost on what to do. Im in Cali so Loma Linda is my only option here. And im trying to take the TEAS for nursing and don’t know how to squeeze in the GRE for other schools to be an option. Any insight on my chances of getting in or just general life advice are so much appreciated. Thank you all.