Original articles

Vol. 118: Issue 4 - August 2026

Professional trajectories of pathologist’s assistants in Italy: a descriptive cross-sectional observational study

Authors

Beatrice Gessi , Letizia Marchi , Mara Bortesi , Fabiola Cagiano , Stefania Caramaschi , Barbara Sartini , Gemma Rocco , Moira Ragazzi , Simona Angelone , Simonetta Piana , Luca Ghirotto

Keywords: Pathologist’s assistant, surgical pathology, workforce development, professional roles, healthcare organization, Italy, cross-sectional study
DOI: 10.32074/1591-951X-2403
Publication Date: 2026-11-09

Summary

Objective. To analyze the professional trajectories, scope of practice, and perceived impact of pathologist’s assistants (PAs) trained in Italy, within a context of emerging and not yet fully institutionalised roles.

Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, anonymous questionnaire administered to professionals who completed an advanced training for PAs at the Universities of Modena and Reggio Emilia and Padua (2017–2024). 

Results. Among 31 respondents, only 55% reported actively performing PA-related grossing activities, with variable frequency and with a high autonomy for low-complexity specimens. Participants reported substantial improvements in technical competencies and professional growth; however, satisfaction was polarized, with high personal satisfaction (68%) but low economic satisfaction (74% dissatisfied). Qualitative findings highlighted the need for practice-oriented training, continuous supervision, and stronger institutional recognition.

Conclusions. The PA role in Italy is characterized by partial integration, with a gap between formal training and clinical implementation. While PAs contribute to workflow optimization and professional development, their consolidation is limited by organisational variability and lack of formal recognition.

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Authors

Beatrice Gessi - Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Letizia Marchi - Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Mara Bortesi - Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Fabiola Cagiano - Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Stefania Caramaschi - Pathology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

Barbara Sartini - Department of health professions, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Padova, Italy

Gemma Rocco - Department of health professions, Azienda Ospedale-Università Padova, Padova, Italy

Moira Ragazzi - Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Simona Angelone - Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Simonetta Piana - Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

Luca Ghirotto - Qualitative Research Unit, Azienda USL – IRCCS Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Copyright

Copyright (c) 2026 Società Italiana di Anatomia Patologica e Citopatologia Diagnostica, Divisione Italiana della International Academy of Pathology

How to Cite
Gessi, B., Marchi, L., Bortesi, M., Cagiano, F., Caramaschi, S., Sartini, B., Rocco, G., Ragazzi, M., Angelone, S., Piana, S., & Ghirotto, L. (2026). Professional trajectories of pathologist’s assistants in Italy: a descriptive cross-sectional observational study. Pathologica - Journal of the Italian Society of Anatomic Pathology and Diagnostic Cytopathology, 118(4). https://doi.org/10.32074/1591-951X-2403
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