Molecular genetic pathology is the laboratory study of genetic samples of cells, tissues, body fluids, and organs, associated with heredity. A genetic pathologist identifies the causes, processes, and risks of inherited diseases through microscopic study. Laboratory test results of genetic material help to diagnose, confirm, and monitor inherited diseases. The genetic pathologist can provide counseling to patients and their families, with information about their condition and the risk of a genetic disorder in the family.

Laboratory study of tissue and fluid samples can help to 1) diagnose inherited genetic abnormalities and tumor malignancies, 2) monitor genetic changes of patients who have undergone bone marrow transplants, 3) diagnose and monitor viral, fungal, and bacterial infections.

Doctor density varies by specialty and location. North Carolina has 12 practicing molecular genetic pathologists. Broken out by city, molecular genetic pathology doctor density in Chapel Hill is 2, in Hickory is 9, in Mooresville is 1, and in Winston Salem is 1.

North Carolina was one of the thirteen original colonies, and achieved statehood in 1789. The population of North Carolina is 8,683,242, and the capital city is Raleigh, named after Sir Walter Raleigh, who established the first English colony in the New World. The Appalachian Mountain range covers the western part of the state, and the mountains receive significant snowfall in winter. Visitors can tour a plantation near Wilmington, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the museums or historic sites in Raleigh or Charlotte, or the aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores on the Atlantic Coast.

According to 2005 Census estimates, North Carolina has a population of 8,683,242. Of this population, 2,098,194 are under the age of 18 and 1,049,995 are at or above the age of 65.