A Grounded Theory of Pathologists’ Assistants Professional Identity Formation

Background: Pathologists' Assistants (PathAs) are vital members of surgical and autopsy pathology teams. Professional identity formation is critical in healthcare, as misalignment between self-perception and external recognition can lead to dissatisfaction, burnout, and limited career progression. Prior research suggests that professional identity strongly influences career sustainability. With over 60% of PathAs certified for less than ten years, sustainability is increasingly important in this high-demand field amid workforce shortages. Purpose: This study explores how PathAs form their professional identity by examining tensions between their self-perception and external recognition. These dynamics may be shared by other allied health or emerging professions. Findings offer implications for PathA education, workplace culture, and workforce policy. Methods: A qualitative grounded theory approach was used, incorporating semi-structured interviews with 11 practicing PathAs. Interview questions addressed educational experiences, clinical training, mentorship, workplace culture, and perceived roles within healthcare settings. Data were analyzed using constant comparative methods to generate themes and theoretical insights on PathA identity formation. Results: Key influences on professional identity development included education, mentorship, workplace culture, and institutional visibility. Participants expressed a strong internal identity rooted in diagnostic expertise and commitment to patient care, yet also described feeling undervalued or misunderstood within broader healthcare systems. Challenges included limited career advancement, lack of billing autonomy, and minimal representation in interdisciplinary forums. Mentorship and inclusion in institutional structures—such as tumor boards or interdepartmental initiatives—were identified as critical to fostering confidence, professional growth, and long-term retention. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for structural and cultural changes to support PathA professional identity. Strengthening mentorship, expanding leadership opportunities, increasing institutional visibility, and advocating for billing and licensure reform are essential to advancing the profession. This study contributes to a broader understanding of professional identity construction in mid-level healthcare roles and provides practical guidance to improve workforce development, satisfaction, and recognition within pathology.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Professional Leadership, Health Science Education

Grantor

University of Houston

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Williamson, Leah Greene 1988-

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• McNeil, Sara
• Hausmann, Robert

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Eldin, Karen
• Thomas, Dustine
• McCluskey, Kristine

• Educational leadership

Language dc:language.iso

English

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10657/19618

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uh-ir.tdl.org:10657/19618