Education Needed for a Forensic Pathology Fellowship
Forensic pathology focuses on the medicolegal investigation of sudden or unexpected death. In general, pathologists make diagnoses through examination of body tissues and fluids, usually in a laboratory setting. The shortage of qualified forensic pathologists continues to grow in the United States. When the specialty was first recognized in 1959, it was a popular choice for physicians; however, today more retire each year than enter the profession.
Other People Are Reading
-
The Fellowship
-
Wake Forest's fellowship is a new program, but is representative of most forensic pathologist fellowships. The year-long program will give students the opportunity to perform about eight autopsies a week as well as get experience in scene investigation and trial testimony. The students are expected to co-author at least one paper.
Education
-
To get into the fellowship program at Wake Forest, the applicant has to have graduated from a medical school in the United States or Canada, accredited by the Liason Committee on Medical Education or a college of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association. Candidates also need to complete a pathology residency prior to the fellowship. In general, to become a forensic pathologist, students need to follow the course of any other medical doctor. First, they need to earn a bachelor's degree, then go to medical school. After medical school, it takes up to five years of residency to become eligible to take the board exams in pathology. Then, a one- to two-year forensic pathology fellowship will lead to eligibility to become board-certified in that sub-specialty.
-
Before Medical School
-
In high school, students who are interested in forensic pathology should acquire strong study skills and self-discipline. Concentrate on the core subject areas and take as many honors courses as possible. Be a strong writer and speaker, as well. In college, students need to concentrate on the prerequisites to get into medical school, but they don't need to major in a science. Some schools actually prefer students to have a strong background in humanities. Because doctors often have to deal across cultural lines, some coursework in ethnic differences would be beneficial, as well as proficiency in a foreign language.
During Medical School
-
Students should focus on basic medical care, but choose a pathology rotation early on. That way, the student knows early in his education whether or not this is the specialty for him.
Competencies
-
Requirements for fellowships are spelled out by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Fellows need to be competent in six areas: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism and systems-based practice.
-
