Physician Specialties

Pathology

Pathology is the medical specialty dealing with the causes and nature of disease. Pathologists contribute to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the biologic, chemical, and physical sciences. Pathologists diagnose and monitor disease through the microscopic examination of tissue specimens, cells and body fluids, and from clinical laboratory tests on body fluids and secretions. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

To gain certification, pathologists must pass the American Board of Pathology’s written and oral examination. Some pathologists enter subspecialty fields and seek further certification. CMMC’s Pathology Department staff includes a certified cytopathologist who has special training and experience in the diagnosis of disease by studying cells. A major aspect of a cytopathologist's practice is the interpretation of Papanicolaou-stained smears of cells from the female reproductive systems, the "Pap" test.