Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

The Work

Pathologists investigate the cause and effect of disease.

They work in laboratories, supervising the work of other laboratory staff. Their work includes chemical pathology, cytopathology, dental and oral pathology, molecular biology, haematology, histopathology, immunopathology, medical microbiology, molecular pathology and neuropathology.  
 
Pathology is a lot more than just autopsies. They also work in hospital labs or research institutes.  
 
Two examples of Pathologists' work are:  
 
-Histopathologists, are those who diagnose disease from changes in tissue structure  

-Chemical Pathologists, those who look at the biochemical nature of disease.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities.
• Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology.
• Write pathology reports summarising analyses, results, and conclusions.
• Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians.
• Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organisations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology.
• Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments.
• Analyse and interpret results from tests, such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).
• Review cases by analysing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports.
• Manage medical laboratories.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Pathology is the study of the nature and causes of diseases. It underpins every aspect of medicine, from diagnostic testing and monitoring of chronic diseases to cutting-edge genetic research and blood transfusion technologies. Pathology is integral to the diagnosis of every cancer.

Pathologists are specialist medical practitioners who study the cause of disease and the ways in which diseases affect our bodies by examining changes in the tissues and in blood and other body fluids. Some of these changes show the potential to develop a disease, while others show its presence, cause or severity, monitor its progress and the effects of treatment.

In Ireland, pathology has six major areas of activity:

• Chemical Pathology
• Clinical Microbiology
• Haematology
• Histopathology
• Immunology
• Neuropathology

To become a pathologist, you must first qualify as a medical Doctor.  It is usually during the internship year required for the purposes of registration that most newly qualified doctors decide on which branch of medicine to pursue. Some doctors enter general practice, while others pursue specialisation in hospital practice such as Pathology.  

Practical and Technical Training  
Once a primary degree in medicine has been obtained, and a year of internship has been completed, a training post in a pathology laboratory must be obtained. The duties of a Pathologist include performing autopsies to document causes of death.  
 
To become a fully accredited Pathologist takes a further five years. After three years training, an examination in the first part of the membership of the Royal College of Pathologists may be taken, and two years later the second examination may be taken.  
 
Royal College of Physicians in Ireland (Faculty of Pathology) A successful candidate can then become a member and is eligible to become a Consultant Pathologist in a hospital.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €33k - €200k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Salary expert/ Erieri/ Salaryexplorer/ Indeed/ HSE

Last Updated: August, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual average employment growth for medical practitioners was slightly above average over the five-year period, with strong growth between 2021 and 2022. Almost 30% of those employed in this occupation were non-Irish citizens, with employment permits still acting as a source of supply of skills; over 2,100 new permits were issued in 2022 across a range of specialities. Supply from the third level education system is set to expand by 200 additional places by 2026 (beginning with an increase of 60 places each in 2022 and 2023). Given the duration of medical training, however, this increased supply is not expected to have an impact on the labour market in the short-to-medium term.

Issues in relation to GPs are being addressed with an announcement that the number of GP training places will be increased to 350 in 2024 from 258 in 2022 and an expansion of the non-EU GP Training Scheme from 50 to 250 by the end of 2024.43 However, the increasing demand for medical practitioners as a result of factors such as the rollout of the Sláintecare Action Plan, the ageing population and the tackling of the lengthy waiting lists (exacerbated as a result of COVID-19) will result in continued shortages for this occupation.

• Health Service Executive (HSE)

  • Dr Steevens' Hospital, Steevens Lane, Dublin, 8
  • 041 685 0300
  • Click Here

• Royal College of Physicians of Ireland

  • Frederick House, 19 South Federick Street Dublin 2
  • (01) 8639700
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Medical Organisation

  • 10 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2
  • (01) 676 7273
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Department of Justice - State Pathologists Office

  • Office of the State Pathologist (OSP), Griffith Avenue, Whitehall, Dublin 9
  • (01) 633 1571
  • Click Here

• Irish Medical Council

  • Kingram House, Kingram Place, Dublin, 2
  • (01) 498 3100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here