What Is Pediatric Forensic Pathology?

Pediatric forensics pathology studies the manner of death in children and infants. Shows such as CSI and Bones have America fascinated with forensics now. There are many sub-careers in forensics pathology; pediatric forensics pathology is one of them. However, it is more intense just for the simple fact that you are dealing with the bodies of children.  

Function

Pediatric forensics pathology is defined as “the study of diseases and injuries in children.” Pediatric forensics pathology is practiced to ensure the health and safety of the world’s children. Pediatric forensics pathologist can help the courts and police with findings or investigations pertaining to children.

The History

Pediatric forensics pathology studies go as far back as the 1800’s. At that time, 25 percent of all deaths were of children under one year old and there was no way of figuring out why.  The discovery of Shaking Baby Syndrome in 1946 and Sudden Death Syndrome in 1969 have made pathologist aware of the problems and brought more awareness to the field.

Considerations

Studying to be a pediatric forensics pathologist is a long and difficult process. Pediatric pathologists need to be trained in the pediatric field. This field of forensics specialized and can be very hard to cope with since it deals with children and infants. The pediatric pathologist deals with studying the tissues, organs and other considerations that will tell them how and in what manner a child or infant died. This is a great help to law enforcement and the courts as they can use this evidence to bring killers to justice in the case of foul play. Pediatric forensic pathology has come a long way in just a few years.