Anatomic pathology is a medical specialty field that deals with the diagnosis of disease. There are many subspecialties of the field such as surgical pathology, cytopathology, and forensic pathology. An anatomic pathologist must attend four years of undergraduate school, complete four years of medical school, complete a residency requirement, and then be board certified by the American Board of Pathology. The area is often teamed with clinical pathology and many of the anatomic pathologists study both fields. Those focusing on both must complete at least four years of residency. In addition, doctors will complete further training to gain expertise in the subspecialty of their choice.

Cancer is a major focus of anatomic pathology. Cancer is a disease where destructive cells grow and overtake the body, blocking tissue that the body needs. Although there is no cure for cancer, an anatomic pathologist will work to prevent the spread of cancer. Anatomic pathologists are highly desirable in the area of cancer research. Their work has done much to advance our knowledge of cancer treatment. » Read more: Anatomic Pathology Focuses on the Diagnosis of Disease