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Neuropathologist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewA medical doctor that specializes in studying and diagnosing changes in the body created by several diseases is a pathologist and a pathologist that specializes in central nervous system disorders and diseases of the brain and spinal cord is a neuropathologist.
A neuropathologist is an expert in a diverse number of diseases and illnesses such as infections, degenerative diseases, immunologic disorders, physical injury, metabolic disorders and disorders of the blood vessels. They serve as the main consultant to neurosurgeons and neurologists.
A neuropathologist’s specialized training typically includes cell biology, neurology, biochemistry and anatomy. Normally, a neuropathologist does not see patients but functions in a laboratory setting, working in the background to assist in the diagnosis of a patient’s disease, illness or tumor, as requested by a neurologist.
When they find a mass on a patient usually through radiology imaging, they request a biopsy. With tissue, cell or fluid samples obtained from a biopsy and directed to the pathology lab, the neuropathologist then starts to evaluate and identify the problem. Neuropathologists are sometimes required to help diagnosis dementia, Alzheimer’s and similar conditions affecting the central nervous system in autopsies.
A neuropathologist sometimes testifies in court using their expert knowledge, when it is a crucial consideration, regarding the functional ability or mental state of an individual.
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Career RequirementsTo become a neuropathologist you must be a physician with a medical degree as either a Medical Doctor or an OD. After completing three to six years of residency training, which includes two to three years of studying anatomic pathology, then they spend another two years studying neuropathology.
The American Board of Pathology certifies the neuropathologist. Many neuropathologists hold a Doctor of Philosophy degree in one or more associated fields. Neuropathology is highly research-oriented field.
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Job OutlookHealth care industries are expanding at an extremely fast pace which means that employment for neuropathologists will continue to grow very quickly over the next eight or ten years. As people’s life expectancy increases and the birth rates rise, it makes the need for neuropathologists and their specialized work in high demand.
As hospitals, health care facilities and research facilities continue to expand so does the need for neuropathologists helping with research and diagnosing patients.
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Career TrackAn experienced neuropathologist has several options available in the neuropathology fields, one being research. As neuropathologists are problem solvers and fascinated with laboratory science and the mystery of diseases, being an educator or teacher of medical students is another option.
There are also other pathology areas such as clinical, anatomic and forensic they can pursue. Some may continue to become a neurosurgeon or neurologist.
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CompensationNeuropathologists are very highly trained and skilled professionals that provide valuable services in laboratories, hospitals and other medical facilities. Depending on their years of experience, location and other factors, their wages vary.
The average salaries across the United States range from approximately $223,000 to over $300,000. Such factors as years of experience, location and employee credentials often dramatically affects neuropathologists pay rate. Opportunities for neuropathologists have increased and they expect the growth to continue.
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