About Forensic Pathology Training Programs
Someone who specializes in forensic pathology performs autopsies at the request of a medical examiner during the investigation of a criminal case. Sometimes they are called upon to confirm the identity of a corpse, and may serve as an expert witness in civil or criminal cases. In order to become a forensic pathologist, several years of college and specialized training are needed.
Job Duties of Forensic Pathologist
- Performs autopsies to determine cause of death, collect trace evidence or identify the deceased.
- Examines and documents injuries and wounds of the deceased.
- Collects and examines tissue specimens from the deceased to identify a possible disease, or asbestos in the lungs, or gunpowder particles around a gunshot wound.
- Performs toxicological exams on body tissues and fluids to determine overdoses or poisons.
- Works closely with the medical examiner in the investigation of sudden or mysterious deaths.
- Serves as an expert witness in criminal cases in courts of law.
Education and Training
- Forensic pathology is a subspecialty of anatomical pathology. In total, a potential forensic pathologist must complete about 13 years of study.
- A student must complete an undergraduate degree, four years of medical school and a three to five year residency in anatomic pathology or clinical pathology. After completing a residency in anatomical pathology and passing the board exam of the American Board of Pathology, a forensic pathologist completes a fellowship, typically lasts a year. They are then qualified to take the board exam in forensic pathology.
- To be admitted to medical school, a student should take at least two years of chemistry, two of biology, one of English, and at least one in physics. Some professionals recommend taking courses in biochemistry, psychology, minority studies and a foreign language.
- To apply for a residency in anatomic or clinical pathology, a student must have received a medical doctor degree and letters of recommendation.
- To apply for a forensic pathology fellowship, candidates must be licensed medical doctors in the state the medical school is located. Fellowships typically complete about 250 autopsies per year, interact with an investigation lab and with the toxicology and physical evidence departments. Some fellowship programs may allow for specialization subfields, such as pediatric pathology, neuropathology, forensic radiology and forensic odontology.