Pursuing a Career in Pathology

Pathology is such a branch of medical science which is related to cause of a disease, its processes, further development and the final effect on the patients through clinical research. This term was originally derived from a Greek word Pathos that means suffering or feeling. A pathologist basically concentrates on properly examining the tissues, organs and body fluids. Secondly, a thorough understanding of how the cells and tissues work as well as how cells adapt to necrosis, injury, wound healing, inflammation and neoplasia.

Spreading branches

The subject of pathology bifurcates into two main branches — anatomical and clinical pathology. The stream further diversifies into forensic pathology, plant pathology, veterinary pathology, surgical pathology, molecular pathology, chemical pathology, cytopathology and hematopathology. A student who wants to pursue a career in pathology, may become a specialist of any of the abovementioned branches. Since the demand for pathologists with highest qualifications has been quickly increasing in India, many medical institutions, universities and colleges present in our country have started running pathology courses under the academic programs offered by them.

Criteria for admission

There are many universities and medical colleges in India that offer courses in the pathology field at both the graduation and post-graduation degree levels respectively. Aspirants just need to confirm their eligibility after passing 10+2 examination with chemistry, biology and physics as the main subjects. This makes them suitable enough to apply for a graduation degree in the related field, which is mandatory for taking up a postgraduate programme in the area of pathology.

Pathology as a career

Pathology offers a promising career in our country, provided that a person has a thorough knowledge of this field. After finishing education from any recognized medical college of India, the pass-outs can seek job as a specialist in any of the aforementioned streams. This field is a kind of science that focuses on the research and diagnosis of diseases through careful examination of tissue samples, blood, organs, body fluids and the whole body.

Traits of a pathologist

A pathologist conducts several tests before getting to the root cause of a specific ailment to inform doctors about its medication and cure. Pathologists look for cure whether it is related to animals, plants or humans. Those who deal with human pathology, are experts who act as consultants for physicians who are involved with patient care. They study the features of different diseases and try to come up with the most apt treatment to help people gain better health.

Pathologists can also be a consultant for patients or serve as the director of a laboratory, be an educator or a researcher. They also evaluate a disease to know the extent to which it is severe or mild and then, estimate the time it would take to get cured as well as suggest different ways of treatment. Even if a surgeon stumbles upon unexpected problems while operating on a patient then he or she may expect help from a pathologist.

Qualities that prosper

Above all, the most important thing is to develop some intrinsic qualities inside yourself that may help you in future in becoming a professional pathologist. Being observant, having an ability to express, think critically, have compassion, patience, commitment, self-confidence and emotional stability are key to success.