The University of Toronto’s Master of Health Science degree in Laboratory Medicine – Pathologists’ Assistant Field is committed to delivering an excellent professional graduate training program for healthcare learners that graduates highly qualified Pathologists’ Assistant professionals.
Program learning objectives
Upon graduation, you will possess the fundamental basic and clinical knowledge and practical and professional competencies required to practice as a Pathologists’ Assistant.
You will be able to:
Acquire knowledge in pathophysiology, anatomy, histopathology, embryology, and biomedicine relevant to pathologists’ assistants
Develop competencies in research (research process, bioethics, biostatistics, biobanking)
Gross a variety of surgical specimens which include identifying pathological lesions, integrating patient history to guide dissection approach, creating concise, accurate gross descriptions, selecting appropriate sections for microscopy in accordance to the SOP, and selecting tissues for ancillary tests
Conduct forensic and hospital adult autopsies, and obtain experience in pediatric/perinatal autopsies under the direction of a pathologist
Demonstrate knowledge of histological procedures and workflow, including performing frozen section cryotomy for intraoperative consultation
Demonstrate familiarity of other laboratory disciplines related to pathology diagnostics such as cytology, immunohistochemistry, molecular and cytogenetics, FLOW cytometry, microbiology, and clinical chemistry
Demonstrate the ability to problem solve by understanding, applying and integrating basic science, clinical knowledge, laboratory processes, and laboratory quality assurance principles
Demonstrate knowledge of workplace policies and procedures including safety and confidentiality
Demonstrate professional, ethical behavior and conduct and maintain academic integrity as described in the University of Toronto policies.
