Dr. Harsita Shahi

Pathology is the study of the causes, nature, and effects of disease. A pathology doctor — a pathologist — is a medical doctor who has completed residency training in pathology. Pathologists are experts in the laboratory techniques used to study disease. You’re likely to find pathologists working in labs alongside scientists with special medical training. Pathologists study tissues and other materials taken from the body. They analyze these items to diagnose illness, monitor ongoing medical conditions, and help guide treatment.

A pathologist is a vital part of any patient’s care team. And yet, the pathologist may be largely invisible to the patient. That’s because much of a pathologist’s work is conducted behind the scenes. Pathologists draw on their medical knowledge, investigative experience, and curiosity to help solve the mysteries of illness, disease, and recovery — as well as decline and death.