Why Recruiting Anatomical Pathologists Is So Challenging — and What Actually Works

Hiring pathologists—especially anatomical pathologists—has never been more challenging. Here’s why that is, and how top firms like Connexis Search Group succeed where others fall short.

📍 Learn more here: Pathology Recruitment Services by Connexis

1. Supply–Demand Imbalance
   There are approximately 1,000 pathologist job openings in the U.S.—sourced from PathologyOutlines.com and other boards—yet only about 450 new pathologists enter the workforce each year.

In 2021, 55.7% of pathology practices sought to hire at least one pathologist, a notable increase from 45% in 2017.

The number of residency spots has stayed flat while retirements and case volumes continue to rise.

Bottom line: There are more jobs than qualified candidates, and traditional posting methods are falling short.

2. Why Job Postings Barely Move the Needle
   With hundreds of job listings across niche boards, only a fraction of hires come from job ads.

Most new pathologists accept their first roles within 3 years of completing residency or fellowship and aren't actively job hunting.

Vacancy rates across pathology have reached 10–12% in some specialties.

If you're relying on job boards, you're likely missing the candidates who matter most.

3. What Actually Works: Proactive, Personalized Outreach

✅ Employee Referrals & Network Relationships
The most effective hires often come through referrals from existing staff or peer networks. These candidates already understand your organization's culture and demands.

✅ Targeted Recruiter Outreach (Evenings, Weekends)
At Connexis, we focus on passive candidates, using email, cell, and LinkedIn to connect. We often reach out early mornings, evenings, or weekends, when candidates are more comfortable speaking.

We build trust first—asking about career goals—before presenting specific roles.

Real-World Success: In Nashville, Tennessee, Connexis helped PathGroup hire their first subspecialty pathologist—a hire who is still with the organization 23 years later.

4. Two Strategies That Consistently Deliver Results

🟢 Strategy 1: Employee Referrals
Referrals from your current pathologists or clinical leaders are often the best source of talent. Why?

• The referring doctor understands what makes someone a good fit — both clinically and culturally.
• The trust factor is built-in, so candidates are more likely to take the call.
• Referred candidates are usually more serious and more aligned with your team.

🟢 Strategy 2: Partnering with a Recruiter Who Knows the Space
The second most effective path is working with a recruiter who already has strong relationships in the pathology space.

We already have personal contact info (cell numbers, emails, etc.) for thousands of pathologists nationwide.
We know how to reach them outside of normal hours — evenings, weekends, early mornings.
We don’t push jobs. We ask what they want first, then match them with aligned opportunities.
We build trust over time.

Example: In Nashville, Connexis placed PathGroup’s first subspecialty pathologist. That pathologist is still with them 23 years later.

5. How to Work Smarter When Hiring Pathologists
   Hiring for an anatomical pathologist role takes more than patience — it takes the right strategy.

• Start with your own team. Ask your current pathologists if they know someone who may be open to a change.
• Be flexible on requirements. Open-mindedness around licensure or subspecialty case exposure can widen your pool.
• Partner with a recruiter early. Don’t wait until your job post fails.
• Respect their time. We contact candidates at times that suit their schedules — and that makes all the difference.

Final Take
❌ Job boards alone aren’t enough.
✅ Referrals and passive outreach deliver better-fit hires.
✅ Recruiters can open doors that job ads never will.
✅ Specialized messaging and personal relationships make all the difference.

Track record matters—so partner with someone who’s been there.

👋 Let’s Talk
If your lab or health system is struggling to hire pathologists—or your job posting has gone stale—let’s talk.

At Connexis Search Group, we’ve been recruiting in diagnostics and pathology for over two decades. We specialize in building relationships with hard-to-reach talent and representing your opportunity the right way.

— Tony Bishop, President, Connexis Search Group
📧 tony@connexissearch.com | ☎️ (864) 864 979 8731