Job Summary
The Lead Pathologist is a senior medical professional responsible for overseeing all diagnostic pathology services within the Diagnostics Services department. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring accurate diagnoses through the careful evaluation of laboratory specimens, including tissue samples, blood, and other bodily fluids. This position is pivotal for fostering a culture of excellence in diagnostic accuracy, timely reporting, and comprehensive patient care.
The Lead Pathologist will collaborate closely with other medical professionals, including oncologists, surgeons, and general physicians, to provide integrated care for patients. By establishing and maintaining high standards for laboratory practices, the Lead Pathologist ensures that the department meets all regulatory and accreditation requirements. This role also includes supervising a team of pathologists and laboratory staff, mentoring junior pathologists, and leading continuing professional development initiatives to enhance the skill set of the team.
In addition to clinical responsibilities, the Lead Pathologist will be involved in the development of new diagnostic protocols and methodologies to improve service delivery. This includes critically evaluating emerging technologies and techniques that can enhance diagnostic capabilities. The role involves active engagement in research activities, focusing on innovations in diagnostic pathology that can further elevate the department's service quality.
Furthermore, the Lead Pathologist will ensure effective quality assurance measures are in place and routinely monitor diagnostic outcomes for continuous improvement. The incumbent will also be responsible for managing relationships with external laboratories, ensuring seamless diagnostic support when necessary. With a commitment to patient-centered care, the Lead Pathologist will advocate for the integration of pathology services within the broader healthcare delivery system, always prioritizing patient safety and satisfaction.
As part of their leadership duties, the Lead Pathologist will participate in departmental strategic planning, budgeting, and resource allocation to meet the organization's objectives. This leadership position requires excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills to foster effective collaboration and cooperation within the medical team and across departments. Ultimately, the Lead Pathologist embodies the vision of the organization by delivering exceptional diagnostic services that support high-quality patient care and contribute to the overall mission of enhancing healthcare outcomes in Nigeria.
Key Responsibilities
The key responsibilities of the Lead Pathologist encompass a wide array of activities essential for the effective operation of the Diagnostics Services department. The successful individual will be expected to:
• Oversight of Laboratory Operations: Ensure that all diagnostic laboratory services operate efficiently and meet regulatory standards, including compliance with health and safety laws.
• Supervise Laboratory Staff: Manage a team of pathologists, technicians, and support staff, ensuring high performance, and fostering professional development through training and mentorship.
• Quality Assurance: Implement and oversee quality control programs that monitor diagnostic processes, ensuring consistent accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Collaboration with Medical Teams: Collaborate with other healthcare providers, including surgeons and oncologists, to provide comprehensive care and to discuss complex cases requiring interdisciplinary input.
• Research and Development: Engage in clinical research initiatives that focus on pathology advancements, contributing to the development of new diagnostic protocols and methodologies.
• Patient Management Meetings: Attend multidisciplinary team meetings to present findings, discuss patient cases, and contribute to the formulation of treatment plans based on pathological evidence.
• Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Assist in the budgeting process for the department, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support diagnostic initiatives.
• Conflict Resolution: Address any conflicts or issues that arise within the team, fostering a cooperative work environment while upholding professional standards.
• Advocacy for Pathology Services: Promote the importance of pathology services within the healthcare system to enhance patient outcomes and ensure the integration of these services into overall care pathways.
• Continuous Professional Development: Stay updated with advancements in pathology through continuous education, conferences, and publications, ensuring the department remains at the cutting edge of diagnostic technology.
• External Relations Management: Establish and maintain relationships with external laboratories or reference centres to facilitate additional testing and diagnostics as needed.
• Policy Development: Contribute to the development of departmental policies that guide laboratory practices, ensuring they align with best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Training Programs: Design and implement training programs for staff across various levels, enhancing their technical skills and knowledge.
• Patient Safety Protocols: Promote, implement, and monitor compliance with patient safety protocols to minimize risks associated with diagnostic practices.
Main Responsibilities
• Provide accurate diagnoses through the examination of pathological specimens.
• Supervise and mentor laboratory staff to enhance skills and performance.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and laboratory accreditation requirements.
• Oversee the development and implementation of diagnostic protocols.
• Conduct quality assurance and quality control measures for laboratory processes.
• Collaborate with medical teams on patient management decisions based on test results.
• Participate in specialized consultations for complex cases.
• Manage departmental budgets and financial resources effectively.
• Engage in clinical research projects to improve diagnostic services.
• Attend interdisciplinary meetings to discuss patient cases.
• Advocate for the role of pathology in overall patient care.
• Review and approve laboratory reports and findings.
• Promote continuing education and professional development for staff.
• Ensure the timely reporting of test results to healthcare providers.
• Manage relations with external laboratories for additional testing needs.
Equality and Diversity
• Act as lead for Equality & Diversity in the department to ensure the development and effective implementation of a strategy, set of policies, procedures and monitoring and control systems are in place.
Personal and Staff Development
• Work with HR to undertake recruitment, retention, performance management and development of staff in the team.
• Work with the Recruitment Manager to establish connections with appropriate local, international and online communities to nurture a pipeline of talent to support the growth of the company.
• Responsible for development of high potential employees, providing a structured approach to mentoring and developing critical talent at all levels of management.
Communications And Working Relationships
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary medical teams, including surgeons and oncologists, to ensure comprehensiveness in patient diagnosis and care.
• Maintain open communication channels with laboratory personnel to facilitate efficient workflow and problem-solving.
• Interact with patients and their families, providing clear explanations regarding pathology results and implications for care.
• Participate in departmental and hospital-wide meetings to align pathology services with organizational goals.
• Liaise with external laboratories to coordinate additional testing and consultation services.
• Establish connections with academic institutions for training and research collaboration opportunities.
• Communicate diagnostic findings and updates effectively to referring physicians and stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of teamwork and respect within the laboratory and clinical settings.
• Develop and deliver educational sessions for medical staff on advancements in pathology.
• Engage with regulatory bodies and professional associations to advocate for pathology services and standards.
Line Management
• Supervise all pathologists and laboratory clinicians, ensuring they adhere to organizational standards.
• Conduct performance evaluations for direct reports, providing constructive feedback and identifying professional development opportunities.
• Implement mentorship programs for junior pathologists, facilitating their clinical training and career growth.
• Oversee recruitment processes for new laboratory staff, ensuring high-quality candidates are selected.
• Manage disciplinary actions for laboratory staff when necessary, ensuring compliance with organizational policies.
• Create work schedules for laboratory personnel, ensuring adequate coverage for all operational hours.
• Facilitate regular team meetings to enhance communication and address operational challenges.
• Promote succession planning within the department to develop future leaders.
• Provide resources and support for staff training and continuing education initiatives.
• Encourage a positive work environment through recognition of staff achievements and contributions.
Organizational Responsibilities
• Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans for the Diagnostics Services department.
• Collaborate with leadership to define departmental goals that align with the organization's mission and vision.
• Ensure financial management of the department, including budget preparation and monitoring expenditures.
• Participate in the procurement of laboratory equipment and technology to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
• Engage in organizational initiatives aimed at improving patient care and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with national healthcare regulations and standards governing laboratory practices.
• Establish policies and protocols that guide laboratory operations to optimize performance and safety.
• Advocate for resources necessary to maintain and advance pathology services within the organization.
• Monitor and assess departmental performance metrics, implementing improvements as needed.
• Drive innovations in diagnostic pathology, ensuring the integration of new techniques into clinical practice.
Confidentiality
The post holder must be aware that Confidential Information and data to which the post holder will have knowledge and access to in the course of their employment with the AMCE is to be kept confidential, and this confidentiality is a condition of employment. The duty to maintain confidentiality continues even when the post holder is no longer employed.
This information is not to be shared with anyone outside of the AMCE under any circumstances, except to the extent necessary to fulfil any duties and responsibilities required within the role. Furthermore, upon termination with the AMCE Abuja, the post holder will return to the AMCE all confidential information held.
General
The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well-being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of AMCE together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients, staff and visitors.
To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
All employees must hold an AMCE email account, which will be the AMCE's formal route for email communication. You are therefore required to check this regularly and to deal with such communication promptly.
Infection Control Statement
The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role. These requirements are set out in the AMCE Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures, which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.
ATTRIBUTES
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
Qualifications Medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
Completion of residency and award of Fellowship Medical College of Pathology, registrable with the Medical Council of Nigeria.
Evidence of commitment to continuing professional
Development Postgraduate training in pathology (e.g., FRCPath, ACLPS) or equivalent.
Professional qualification in a relevant subject
Experience Minimum of 7 years of experience in diagnostic pathology, with significant exposure to subspecialties.
Board certification in pathology with a valid medical license to practice in Nigeria.
Expertise in histopathology, cytopathology, and molecular pathology techniques.
Strong understanding of laboratory quality management systems and regulatory compliance.
Proficiency in using advanced diagnostic technologies and laboratory information systems.
Exceptional analytical skills for accurate and timely diagnosis of pathologies.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interactions with healthcare teams.
Management and Leadership Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans for the Diagnostics Services department.
Collaborate with leadership to define departmental goals that align with the organization's mission and vision.
Ensure financial management of
the department, including budget preparation and monitoring expenditures.
Participate in the procurement of laboratory equipment and technology to enhance diagnostic capabilities.
Engage in organizational initiatives aimed at improving patient care and operational efficiency.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary medical teams, including surgeons and oncologists, to ensure comprehensiveness in patient diagnosis and care.
Maintain open communication channels with laboratory personnel to facilitate efficient workflow and problem-solving.
Supervise all pathologists and laboratory clinicians, ensuring they adhere to organizational standards.
Conduct performance evaluations for direct reports, providing constructive feedback and identifying professional development opportunities.
Implement mentorship programs for junior pathologists, facilitating their clinical training and career growth.
Shares the AMCE’s vision and values
Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care
Personal attributes Professional attitude towards work
Shares the AMCE’s vision
Proactive and organised
Commitment to clinical governance / improving quality of patient care
Has personal and professional credibility and commands the respect of colleagues peers
Is supportive and approachable and capable of inspiring confidence in staff members
Commitment to caring for others
Ability to adapt to living in a new country and new culture accordingly
High levels of honesty and integrity
Languages All applicants to have demonstrable skills in written and spoken English that are adequate to enable effective communication about medical topics with patients and colleagues Skills in languages other than English
AMCE Values Able to demonstrate an understanding of the AMCE’s values
Commitment to uphold the AMCE’s values