Anatomical pathology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of the morphologic aspects
of disease. Anatomical pathologists specialize in examining tissues removed by needle aspiration,
surgical procedures or autopsy. They are responsible for diagnosing diseased tissue and investigating
the mechanisms and development of disease. This may include the structural and physical changes
that occur.
Anatomical pathology includes subspecialties that deal specifically with organ systems. These include:
gynecological pathology; dermatopathology; gastrointestinal pathology; cardiovascular pathology;
respiratory pathology; musculoskeletal pathology; renal pathology, genito-urinary pathology; endocrine
pathology; ophthalmic pathology; E.N.T. pathology; and neuropathology. It also involves specific
laboratory methods such as cytopathology, immunopathology and electron microscopy, or certain
types of clinical cases including pediatric pathology and forensic pathology. (Source: Pathway evaluation program-Canadian Medical Association)
Upon completion of medical school, to become certified in this specialty requires an additional 5 years of
approved residency training. This training includes: 1 year of basic clinical training; 3 years of approved
residency training in anatomical pathology (including training in surgical pathology and autopsy
pathology); a minimum of 3 months’ training in cytopathology; and training in forensic pathology and
pediatric pathology. A further year of approved residency is also required.
Information Links
Canadian Medical Association – Anatomical Pathology Profile
Canadian Association of Pathologists
Johns Hopkins Medicine – Anatomical Pathology
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada – Anatomical Pathology Competencies
Anatomical Pathology Central Data Repository Request Form
Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology
BC Association of Laboratory Physicians
BC Cancer Registry Reporting Guidelines for Laboratories
BC College of Physicians and Surgeons
BC Society of Laboratory Science
College of American Pathologists
Canadian Association of Pathologists
Canadian Society for Laboratory Medicine
Diagnostic Accreditation Program of British Columbia
National Society for Histotechnology
Royal College of Physicians
Synoptic Reporting Links to Educational Material
The average anatomical pathologist salary in Canada is $312,225 per year or $160 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $240,379 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $378,785 per year.
