Pathologist Duties and Responsibilities: What Would My Job Responsibilities Be? As a pathologist , you might examine and diagnose bodily fluids, such as blood and urine, or tissues from biopsies and Pap smears, to diagnose disease. You may possibly perform autopsies to determine a cause of death. Salary: 302,610 USD Education: A forensic pathologist must first earn a bachelor's degree, then a medical degree, either an M.D. or D.O. Extensive additional education and training is required, including four to five years of training in anatomic, clinical and/or forensic pathology and a one-year residency or fellowship in forensic pathology. Demand for this particular career: None Reflection: