Forensic Pathology

Tina Swain 2012

Forensic pathology is an area of the medical profession which looks at determining the cause of death of a person by conducting an autopsy. Forensic pathologists are strongly linked with legal professionals, as their services are usually requested by the courts of law to help determine the cause of death in criminal trials.

There are many areas to a forensic pathologists job, including being a detective, pathologist, politician and public relations person.

The first and most important one of course being to determine the cause of death.

THEY MUST ESTABLISH THE MANNER OF DEATH, WHETHER IT WAS A HOMICIDE (MURDER), SUICIDE, ACCIDENTAL OR FROM NATURAL CAUSES.

There are two particular forms of cause of death: proximate cause of death and immediate cause of death.
The proximate cause of death is the initial injury that led to a sequence of events which then led to the death. The immediate cause of death is the injury or disease that finally led to the death of the individual.

This isnt the only role of the forensic pathologist though. Some of their other responsibilities include:
1. Identifying the absence or presence of disease in sample tissue. 2. Collaborative evidence collection such as hair and blood samples to give to investigators and toxicologists for special analyst. 3. Act as an expert witness in criminal or civil court proceedings.

Where do Forensic Pathologists Work?

Forensic pathologists are required to work in a huge range of situations. While most will spend their days in the lab, others will be out visiting crime scenes and others will be acting as expert witnesses in criminal and civil court cases around the country.

Hours and Working Conditions

The hours that forensic pathologists work largely depends on where they work. It will also depend on how many forensic pathologists are working in each office and how well the work can be spread out between them. Many forensic pathologists also work on crime scenes which can require them to be on call 24 hours a day A typical work day is around 10 hours, it can very often be much longer especially if the forensic pathologist needs to visit a distant death site. Working hours are typically much longer for forensic pathologists who work independently or in a private practice than those working for the government.

 The work conditions for forensic pathologists are generally very good, and the salaries are very high particularly for those with several years experience. If the forensic pathologist is working for the government they will usually receive many extra benefits too including health and life insurance. Those that work in private practices will often have to work longer hours, but their salaries are typically much higher than working for the government.

Working as a forensic pathologist is not for the faint hearted or weak kneed- as the working conditions involve being continuously exposed to graphic violence which can take its toll over the course of their career. It is important not to become emotionally attached to the work.

Forensic Pathology Qualifications and Skills

It typically takes 13 years to become qualified. These years include four years of undergraduate training, four years of medical school, a four year residency in anatomic and clinical pathology and a 1 year forensic pathology fellowship

( It isnt particularly important what type of degree it is but you must make sure that you take the right electives that are prerequisites for entry into medical school ).

Four years of medical school is the most important part of your qualifications as a forensic pathologist. This teaches you all the specific pathology knowledge to add on to your general medical knowledge.

Once the residency program has been completed the final part of the forensic pathology qualification is to complete a one year specialty training program in forensic pathology at either a medical examiners office or a coroners office.

Other than the skills you acquire during your education to become a forensic pathologist you can also benefit from having certain personal traits.
Communication skills are very important particularly if you want to be able to work as an expert witness in trials. Have a good legal and social background and understanding to help with your career. You must have self-discipline and determination

The earnings of forensic pathologists :

Largely depends on their experience, geographical area and their level of responsibility where they work. The average hours worked per work for forensic pathologists is 40 50 and usually between the hours of 8am 5pm each day which is pretty standard. However, the private crime laboratories will usually require longer work hours and often pay higher salaries. As an approximate figure, forensic pathologists can earn anything from $60,000 per year up to $600,000 per year for the more experienced forensic pathologists. The Chief Medical Examiners and Chief Consultants will usually be on the highest salaries, whilst recently graduated forensic pathologists will be at the lower end of the salary scale.

Although there are opportunities for promotion in forensic pathology do not expect it to be a fast progression. It takes many years to learn the skills required to become a more senior forensic pathologist. Many Chief Forensic Pathologists have been working in the industry for several decades before getting to where they are.

 As you can see the job of a forensic pathologist is exciting and varied, with many jobs available within this field. Forensic pathologists play a vital role in the criminal justice system. You have the satisfaction of not only helping to put criminals away, but of comforting grieving families, thus, "It was over very quickly. She did not suffer." The job is very challenging, and boredom will not be a problem.

For more information:

Downloadable PDF Books
COLOR ATLAS OF FORENSIC MEDICINE AND PATHOLOGY (2010)

http://www.scribd.com/doc/68471301/Forensics

Forensic Pathology 2nd Edition (2001)

http://www.scribd.com/doc/61825616/Forensic-Pathology-2ndEdition-2001