Pathology

In the Department of Pathology, autopsies are performed on bodies that have died of natural causes and for which the relatives have given prior permission for the procedure. At the request of the relatives, the procedure can also be limited to a partial autopsy. As a rule, the deceased come from the hospital sector.  A pathological-anatomical autopsy is intended to clarify the accuracy of the diagnosis, the success of the therapy and the immediate cause of death. 

The main task of human taxidermists here, as in the Department of Forensic Medicine, is to assist with autopsies. This includes the preparation, the support of the doctors during the execution, the execution of particularly complex and technically challenging interventions and the professional restoration of the corpse as aftercare.

Dealing with undertakers and relatives is also part of the job. The preparation of permanent specimens is the exception rather than the rule in pathology today, but the most common preparation procedures should nevertheless be known. The further scope of duties depends strongly on the requirements of the respective institution. This may include, for example: Supporting laboratory areas, embalming and coffining for undertakers, taking responsibility for ordering, disposing of materials and chemicals, maintaining existing collection preparations, etc.

In this field, human taxidermists need not only anatomical knowledge but also comprehensive knowledge of pathology, a high degree of flexibility and, of course, manual dexterity.