Clinical pathology is the laboratory study of cells and tissues. A pathologist identifies the causes and processes of diseases through microscopic study. Some human samples studied under a microscope include tissue specimens, cells, body fluids and secretions. Information gathered from the laboratory study of these samples from the body allow the pathologist to diagnose, confirm and monitor diseases.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. Louisiana has 29 practicing clinical pathologists. Broken out by city, clinical pathology doctor density in Bastrop is 1, in Baton Rouge is 2, in Gretna is 1, in Houma is 1, in Jefferson is 2, in Lafayette is 2, in Lake Charles is 1, in Leesville is 3, in Metairie is 1, in Monroe is 4, in New Iberia is 1, in New Orleans is 2, in Opelousas is 1, in Ruston is 1, in Shreveport is 7, in Slidell is 2, and in West Monroe is 1.

Louisiana was named after French King Louis XIV, and the state joined the union in 1812. Louisiana’s population is 4,523,628, and Baton Rouge is its capital city. Louisiana has rich cultural heritage that is celebrated at many festivals all over the state. Taste a variety of cuisines, including Cajun and Creole food. Listen to jazz or zydeco music in New Orleans, visit the French Quarter, attend the Mardi Gras in the spring, or take a steamboat trip down the Mississippi River.

According to 2005 Census estimates, Louisiana has a population of 4,523,628. Of this population, 1,132,763 are under the age of 18 and 528,837 are at or above the age of 65.