Difference between MD and BcS pathologists

[Byolo]

Hello,

I've always wondered what was the difference between a pathologist with a MD and a pathologist with a degree in biomedical sciences, by example, in the laboratories of an hospital. Does the pathologist have more responsabilities? Are most people working in the labs pathologist doctors or they are mainly people with BcS ? Why pathologist doctors are paid so much more even if they do almost the same job?

Thank you!

[goleafsgochris]

Ill leave a more detailed answer to some of the path residents I know come on here, but these are not in any way remotely similar jobs, like not even close.  Its like comparing an Xray tech to a radiologist, or a marriage counsellor to a psychiatrist.

[GrouchoMarx]

didnt even know there were bsc pathology degrees but if there are it wont get you anywhere near doing path work in a lab.

if you want to be a tech you need mls training above that.

if you want to do clin lab automated lab work bullshit you need a phd.

but if you really care to be a pathologist but not have to go through the hoops you could buy a fake degree at a degree mill somewhere and do the nac osce and ta da youre in without a fuss.

[Educated Se7en]

There might be some confusion. Technically, there isn't such a thing as a biomedical science degree pathologist. All pathologists are MDs with residency +/- fellowship training (Just to confuse you even more there are several residency types in labmed/pathology: Anatomical pathology; General pathology; Hematopathology; Neuropathology; and Medical Microbiology). However, there are many other types of training levels within a pathology lab. For example, there are MLS staff (Bachelor degree), PA (master degree), LA (certificate training) and cyto tecs (diploma) just to name a few. These non-MD staff are amazing people that act backbone of the lab and perform a multitude of different tasks to run the lab, and without them your path reports would take even longer to arrive! However, it is the pathologists (MD trained) that make the final assessment of the specimen and provide a final diagnosis to the surgeon/clinician. The larger responsibility (i.e. patient treatment decisions) and the extended education required is part of the reason why pathologists are paid more than the other lab staff.