4 answers
Kelz
Student
Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa
3
Questions
Updated
982 views
Information about Pathology?
Hi, I'm a grade 11 student who's interested in medicine, and is currently researching different areas of specialism. I would like to know a bit about Pathology, such as the qualifications, a starter salary, what a normal day looks like, and other general knowledge. (South Africa)
How can I find job shadowing opportunities?
4 answers
Gina Cabrera,
EC
134
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Hi Kelz,
What a normal day can look like depends on the branch, but it's usually more " lab + reporting + problem solving" than seeing patients all day. For
Example: an anatomical pathologist might:
Check tissue samples from operations/biopsies
look down the microscope and make diagnoses
order extra tests (special stains)
write reports that surgeons and oncologists use to plan treatment
sometimes join meetings where doctors discuss difficult cases
Micro/virology pathologists often spend time:
reviewing infection test results
calling clinicians about important results
advising on which tests to do next and which antibiotics make sense
helping with hospital infection control issues
Hours are often more regular than some other medical specialties, but there can still be on-call or urgent cases depending on where you work.
Salaries can be a bit confusing because you get paid differently at each stage (intern, community service, registrar, specialist), and public vs private also differs.
Good places to contact: NHLS labs at big public hospitals near you (ask about “career exposure” or a “lab visit”) University pathology departments (if you live near a university with a medical school) Private labs like Ampath or Lancet (they sometimes allow tours or career days) Your local hospital’s HR office (they can tell you what permission is needed)
A small tip: ask for something realistic, like a short visit during a school holiday, and say you understand confidentiality rules.
I hope this helps and good luck to you, kelz!
What a normal day can look like depends on the branch, but it's usually more " lab + reporting + problem solving" than seeing patients all day. For
Example: an anatomical pathologist might:
Check tissue samples from operations/biopsies
look down the microscope and make diagnoses
order extra tests (special stains)
write reports that surgeons and oncologists use to plan treatment
sometimes join meetings where doctors discuss difficult cases
Micro/virology pathologists often spend time:
reviewing infection test results
calling clinicians about important results
advising on which tests to do next and which antibiotics make sense
helping with hospital infection control issues
Hours are often more regular than some other medical specialties, but there can still be on-call or urgent cases depending on where you work.
Salaries can be a bit confusing because you get paid differently at each stage (intern, community service, registrar, specialist), and public vs private also differs.
Gina recommends the following next steps:
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
257
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
I can only speak to U.S. pathologists. Pathology is a field one chooses near the end of medical school, just like medicine, pediatrics, surgery, or psychiatry. You apply for residencies in pathology, typically at multiple places, and they interview you to see how highly they will rank you, while you are also ranking your favorites. A matching system lets you and the organizations know who is going where (and rarely, someone doesn't get into a residency, so it is worth doing well during medical school).
Many pathologists complete their four year residency then go on to complete a fellowship in some specialty area.
American pathologists make somewhere between $250,000-350,000 initially (cost of living varies dramatically by area in the U.S.).
Pathologists often have duties related to assuring a hospital laboratory is running well. They do autopsies when asked to. Most of what they do is to look closely at specimens sent from the operating rooms to confirm what tissue, what pathology, and to find if the margins are clear of cancer during resections (this is done in real-time, often in a room adjacent to the OR).
Compared to many clinical physicians, pathology hours are usually more 7:00 - 17:00, although occasionally there is a need for night and weekend work.
Many pathologists are involved in research and/or teaching as well.
Many pathologists complete their four year residency then go on to complete a fellowship in some specialty area.
American pathologists make somewhere between $250,000-350,000 initially (cost of living varies dramatically by area in the U.S.).
Pathologists often have duties related to assuring a hospital laboratory is running well. They do autopsies when asked to. Most of what they do is to look closely at specimens sent from the operating rooms to confirm what tissue, what pathology, and to find if the margins are clear of cancer during resections (this is done in real-time, often in a room adjacent to the OR).
Compared to many clinical physicians, pathology hours are usually more 7:00 - 17:00, although occasionally there is a need for night and weekend work.
Many pathologists are involved in research and/or teaching as well.
Thank you so much, this is really helpful. I'll do some research and check if it's the same here.
Kelz
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
296
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
It's great to see your interest in pathology! Many people discover this field later, especially if they enjoy medicine but prefer less direct patient interaction. Pathology focuses on understanding what's happening in the body by examining blood, tissues, cells, and lab results. Pathologists play a crucial role in confirming diagnoses for conditions like cancer and infections.
In South Africa, the journey involves completing an MBChB degree, followed by internship and community service, and then specializing in pathology through further training. It takes time, but it's similar to other medical fields and perfect for those who love science, solving problems, and paying attention to detail.
A pathologist's daily work is mostly in the lab, examining samples, reviewing test results, writing reports, and discussing findings with other doctors. While there's less direct patient contact, many find this aspect appealing. Starting salaries depend on whether you work in the public or private sector, but pathology offers stability and respect, with good long-term earning potential.
If you're interested in job shadowing, try reaching out to local hospitals, private labs, or university medical schools to see if they allow high school students to observe or visit for a day. Even a short visit can be very helpful. You can also ask your school for contacts in healthcare or connect with professionals on LinkedIn, explaining that you're a grade 11 student exploring medicine. Don't worry if you're unsure right now. Being curious and asking questions puts you ahead, and college is where many people start to find their best fit.
In South Africa, the journey involves completing an MBChB degree, followed by internship and community service, and then specializing in pathology through further training. It takes time, but it's similar to other medical fields and perfect for those who love science, solving problems, and paying attention to detail.
A pathologist's daily work is mostly in the lab, examining samples, reviewing test results, writing reports, and discussing findings with other doctors. While there's less direct patient contact, many find this aspect appealing. Starting salaries depend on whether you work in the public or private sector, but pathology offers stability and respect, with good long-term earning potential.
If you're interested in job shadowing, try reaching out to local hospitals, private labs, or university medical schools to see if they allow high school students to observe or visit for a day. Even a short visit can be very helpful. You can also ask your school for contacts in healthcare or connect with professionals on LinkedIn, explaining that you're a grade 11 student exploring medicine. Don't worry if you're unsure right now. Being curious and asking questions puts you ahead, and college is where many people start to find their best fit.
Thank you so much for the information, I really appreciate it!
Kelz
Vanessa Mandal
Medical Director
24
Answers
Rocklin
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Hi Kelz,
The pathway bachelor's degree which ideally should cover the pre-requisites for medical school- biology, chemistry and physics (4 years). This is followed by, four years of medical school (MD or DO), then residency in anatomic/clinical pathology (3 to 4 years). If you desire further specialization, then add 1-2 year (forensic or molecular pathology). You then have to take licensing exams (USMLE/COMLEX). Finally board certification (American Board of Pathology) for licensure. In total, a journey of 11-12+ years after high school. It is good to ask yourself -what do I love about pathology, is this a field of study that energizes me, how would this contribute to bettering society, is this something I have an aptitude for and would choose as a profession. Learning is also an emotional and a social endeavor. You would also want to consider these as you make decisions on your career path and where to pursue studies. I lived at home with my parents and 3 sisters when I was in college. Medical school was also not far, allowing me to visit home at least once or twice a month. Residency in New York also allowed for staying in close contact with family in NJ and close to Caribbean communities and diverse NY populations. Salary is but 1 component of compensation. I have added links
https://resources.nejmcareercenter.org/article/understanding-physician-compensation-components/
https://careersinmedicine.aamc.org/explore-options/specialty-profiles/pathology
https://einsteinmed.edu/education/student-finance/cost-attendance-md-students
The pathway bachelor's degree which ideally should cover the pre-requisites for medical school- biology, chemistry and physics (4 years). This is followed by, four years of medical school (MD or DO), then residency in anatomic/clinical pathology (3 to 4 years). If you desire further specialization, then add 1-2 year (forensic or molecular pathology). You then have to take licensing exams (USMLE/COMLEX). Finally board certification (American Board of Pathology) for licensure. In total, a journey of 11-12+ years after high school. It is good to ask yourself -what do I love about pathology, is this a field of study that energizes me, how would this contribute to bettering society, is this something I have an aptitude for and would choose as a profession. Learning is also an emotional and a social endeavor. You would also want to consider these as you make decisions on your career path and where to pursue studies. I lived at home with my parents and 3 sisters when I was in college. Medical school was also not far, allowing me to visit home at least once or twice a month. Residency in New York also allowed for staying in close contact with family in NJ and close to Caribbean communities and diverse NY populations. Salary is but 1 component of compensation. I have added links
Vanessa recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, I'll definitely check out the next steps!
Kelz
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