Pathologist | Career Planet

OFO No: 221207

Other names for Pathologist:

Clinical Cytopathologist
Forensic Biologist
Forensic Pathologist
Forensic Scientist
Forensic Toxicologist
Immunologist

What is a Pathologist?

A Pathologist is a specialist medical job.

A Pathologist works in laboratory. The perform tests on samples of tissue, blood and body secretions to determine illness or disease. These samples can be from live people.

In South Africa, a Pathologist could work for hospitals, government (police) or for companies like PathCare, Ampath or Lancet for instance.

A Forensic Pathologist will use samples from corpses to determine cause of death or to determine whether the person was murdered.

What does a Pathologist do?

performs various laboratory tests of samples from live bodies
studies the nature of diseases
provides laboratory information to medical professionals

What does a Forensic Pathologist do?

studies the corpse
does experiments
determines reasons for death
writes reports
provides legal teams with necessary evidence
may appear in court as expert witness

Are you . . . ?

interested in science and biology?
passionate about working in a lab?
a problem solver?
detail orientated?
observant?
a logical thinker?
dedicated?
methodical and systematic?
not grossed out with body samples and/or corpses

How do I become a Pathologist?

You will need a qualification.

You will need to study to become a General Medical Practitioner and then, once qualified, practice as a doctor in a private practice, hospital or clinic.

After completing your 2 years, you will need to complete a Master’s degree in Medicine (Pathology)

University of Cape Town
University of KZN
University of Pretoria
University of the Free State
University of Witwatersrand

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