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Molecular genetic pathology, according to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, is the subspecialty of medical genetics, genomics, and pathology in which the principles, theory, and technologies of molecular biology and molecular genetics are used to make or confirm clinical diagnoses of Mendelian genetic disorders, disorders of human development, immunologic conditions, infectious diseases, and malignancies; to assess the natural history of those disorders; and to provide the primary physician with information by which to improve the ability to provide optimal care for individuals affected with these disorders.
As a subspecialty that involves the study of genetic and molecular changes in diseases—particularly cancer—molecular pathology is unique in combining pathology and molecular biology to study disease at a molecular level. Plus, its involvement with the rapid advancement of precision medicine helps molecular pathology play a crucial role in clinically interpreting genomic alterations to help cancer patients receive appropriate targeted therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most molecular pathology jobs are currently in academics, with fewer positions available in private practice. However, this is changing, and the job market for molecular pathologists is generally considered to be good.
The standard fellowship is one year.
As a general rule, on-call time for molecular pathology is minimal to nonexistent.
This depends a great deal on the setting and the specific tests being conducted—with reference labs and large academic institutions typically overseeing larger volumes of cases. That said, there often are many ancillary tests that need to be validated and maintained.
Molecular pathologists interact primarily with pathology and oncology, but also with other specialties based on the type of testing performed. This can include pediatrics and genetics for constitutional testing, hematology for FII/FV or B cell gene rearrangement, dermatopathology for T cell gene rearrangement, and/or other specialties as needed.
Molecular pathology pairs well with most pathology subspecialties, particularly hematopathology, medical microbiology, and various subspecialties of surgical pathology—especially those related to oncological and pediatric diseases.
Other than those perhaps focusing on the “genetic” portion of the molecular genetic pathology fellowship, molecular pathologists typically have minimal patient interaction.
Other Resources:
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Molecular Oncology Topic Center
Resources and educational material from the CAP in the field of molecular pathology.
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CAP/ACMG Biochemical and Molecular Genetics Committee
Participating in a council or committee is a great way to be a part of the CAP community.
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Molecular Oncology Committee
Participating in a council or committee is a great way to be a part of the CAP community.
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