Pathologist

Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore Pathologist Lawyer

Pathologists are medical doctors who generally specialize in the diagnosis and study of diseases through the examination of tissues, cells, and body fluids. They provide information for the diagnosis, treatment, and also prevention of diseases. When they get it wrong, you may have a medical malpractice claim and need the Baltimore pathologist lawyer.

General Pathologists

General pathologists have a broad scope of duties, generally examining tissues from various organs and body systems.

Education and Training:

• Medical School: Firstly, general pathologists must complete a medical degree (MD or DO).
• Residency: Afterward, they undergo a 4-year residency program in anatomic and clinical pathology. This program specifically includes training in autopsy, surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, and clinical microbiology.

Licensing and Board Requirements:

• Medical License: Pathologists must then obtain a medical license from the state where they practice.
• Board Certification: Board certification is generally recommended and often required for employment in academic settings or for certain insurance reimbursements. The American Board of Pathology (ABP) offers board certification in anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, or both.

The Baltimore pathologist lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm can provide review the credentials of the pathologist involved in your treatment.

Examinations and Equipment:

• Microscopy: Pathologists generally use microscopes to examine tissues at a cellular level.
• Immunohistochemistry: This technique uses antibodies to specifically identify proteins or antigens within cells.
• Molecular Pathology: Pathologists may also use techniques like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect genetic abnormalities.
• Flow Cytometry: This is used to analyze cells based on their physical and also chemical properties.
• Cytogenetics: Lastly, this involves the study of chromosomes to detect genetic abnormalities.

The Baltimore pathologist lawyer can evaluate the conclusions reached by pathologist subspecialists.

Workplace and Collaborations:

• Hospitals: Pathologists are generally employed in hospitals, where they work in the pathology department.
• Medical Examiners’ Offices: Some pathologists also work in medical examiners’ offices, performing autopsies to determine the cause of death.
• Research Institutions: Pathologists may also work in research institutions, contributing to medical research.
• Collaboration: Pathologists also collaborate with a wide range of doctors, including physicians, surgeons, and other laboratory personnel.

Medical Malpractice Claims with the Baltimore Pathologist Lawyer

Medical malpractice claims against pathologists can arise from errors in diagnosis, incorrect interpretation of test results, or failure to communicate important findings. Types of claims generally include:

• Misdiagnosis: Incorrect or delayed diagnosis of a disease.
• Incorrect Interpretation: Misinterpretation of laboratory results, leading to inappropriate treatment.
• Failure to Communicate: Failure to communicate critical findings to treating physicians.
• Specimen Mislabeling or Loss: Errors in handling or processing patient specimens.

Pathologist Subspecialties

Pathologists can specialize in various subfields, focusing on specific organs or diseases. The Baltimore pathologist lawyer can evaluate the conclusions reached by the following subspecialties of pathology.

• 1. Dermatopathology:
  • Focus: Skin diseases and conditions.
  • Examinations: Biopsies of skin lesions, including moles, tumors, and also infections.
• 2. Neuropathology:
  • Focus: Diseases of the nervous system.
  • Examinations: Autopsies of patients with neurological disorders, biopsies of brain and spinal cord tissue.
• 3. Cytopathology:
  • Focus: Diagnosis of diseases generally based on the examination of cells from various body fluids.
  • Examinations: Pap smears, fine-needle aspirations, and fluid samples.
• 4. Hematopathology:
  • Focus: Diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs.
  • Examinations: Analysis of blood smears, bone marrow biopsies, and other blood-related specimens.

Additional Subspecialties

In addition, contact the Baltimore pathologist lawyer for more information on the following subspecialties of pathology.

• 5. Forensic Pathology:
  • Focus: Determining the cause of death in cases of homicide, suicide, or accidental death.
  • Examinations: Autopsies, crime scene investigations, and analysis of evidence.
• 6. Molecular Pathology:
  • Focus: Using molecular techniques to diagnose and study diseases at the genetic level.
  • Examinations: PCR, DNA sequencing, and other molecular methods.
• 7. Pediatric Pathology:
  • Focus: Diseases affecting children.
  • Examinations: Autopsies of infants and children, biopsies of pediatric tissues.
• 8. Anatomic Pathology:
  • Focus: The examination of tissues and organs to diagnose diseases.
  • Examinations: Autopsies, surgical biopsies, and other tissue specimens.
• 9. Clinical Pathology:
  • Focus: The examination of body fluids and cells to diagnose diseases.
  • Examinations: Blood tests, urinalysis, and other laboratory tests.

The Baltimore pathologist lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm can assess the actions of a pathologist or any of the subspecialties.

Each subspecialty has its own specific education, training, and board certification requirements. The types of medical malpractice claims that can arise against pathologists in these subspecialties generally may vary depending on the specific area of expertise.

Conclusion: Pathologists provide diagnoses and information for patient care. Medical malpractice claims against pathologists can arise from errors in diagnosis, interpretation, or communication. Understanding specifically the education, training, and practice requirements for pathologists can help in evaluating the potential liability in medical malpractice cases involving these professionals.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Pathologist Lawyer

If you believe you may have been the victim of orthopedic surgeon medical malpractice, then it is important to consult with the Baltimore pathologist lawyer. We can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.