A pathologist traditionally does not see patients. Do you plan to interact with the patients whose tests are about them?
Pathologists don't see patients. Almost exclusively their domain is under the microscope or at a desk ascertaining the meaning and relevance of results and how they interact with disease, not the specific patient. They render opinions that are either diagnostic or a gauge for the severity of disease. So, why a question like this? It is asked to see how involved you will be in the 'total care' a hospital touts as its mission. You should answer along traditional lines, but include a blurb or two about your interest in the patient.
"No, I won't be directly interacting with the patients. Pathology is unique in that these are not my patients, but their pathology is my concern. Technically I provide a consultation service, which implies partnering with the treating physician. For my purposes, this requires me to provide timely and accurate results for the patient's team of which I'm a part. It requires my speaking with the patient's doctor when this will improve his or her understanding of what's going on with his or her patient."
