Those who haven’t graduated from medical college but still want to be associated with medicine have several options. One of them is pathology. Until as recently as 30 years ago, it was the physician who prescribed a few tests on the basis of his diagnosis. Today the world over, particularly in the advanced countries, a self-respecting physician is unlikely to entertain a patient unless he/she is armed with a battery of sophisticated test reports by a qualified pathologist. The new generation pathologist does a lot more than just take blood and urine samples. She is required to do constant research and suggest new diagnostic tests using sophisticated new technologies. Pathology literally means the study of disease. As such it is an indispensable science and medical specialisation. As a preface to concepts such as disease processes, tissue reaction, and injury, it is a cardinal subject necessary in the education of all medical practitioners. The numerous specialisations of medicine have their own needs, advantages, and disadvantages. Those who have not graduated from medical college but still want to be associated with medicine have several options. One of them is pathology. All pathology clinics are either affiliated with hospitals or are independent entities. The lab is usually headed by a doctor with an MD degree in pathology i.e. an individual who has specialised in pathology after qualifying as a medical practitioner. In the hierarchy below him are the senior and junior scientific officers, who either have M.Sc or Ph.D qualifications, preferably in biochemistry, microbiology, or molecular biology. On the next rung are the technicians usually with a B.Sc degree plus a diploma in medical technology, with a minimum of six months to a year’s training in a lab. Finally, there are the lab attendants. A diploma in medical technology is offered by several universities and private sector education institutions. Mumbai’s SNDT Women’s University is the best, offering a comprehensive three-year diploma course. A medical degree with specialisation in pathology is available in most medical colleges. A qualified pathologist can either join a lab, a hospital, or teach. A teacher with a minimum of five years teaching experience can also guide M.Sc, MBBS and Ph D students. EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT. After some years of experience one can open one’s own lab. For this, of course, you need deep pockets to invest in expensive equipment. A blood bank needs a licence from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can be managed only by a pathologist with an MD qualification. Jobs in pharmaceutical companies, research labs, consultancies, or as technical sales representatives can also be found if one has a B.Sc in microbiology, biochemistry, or molecular biology. Another new area of interest for those trained in clinical pathology in recent years has been to apply managerial and medical/bioscience skills acquired during clinical training to opening up career opportunities in the corporate sector. This is a good qualification for a managerial position in an upstart biotechnology company as also for executive positions in larger healthcare delivery, diagnostic…
