How to Study Forensic Pathology

Pathologists determine diagnoses or causes of death.

A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor with special training in forensic science and how it applies to medicine and disease processes. Their role is to establish the cause of death in the deceased. They perform autopsies when requested by a coroner or medical examiner, and study and analyze physical evidence that is used in criminal court cases. Becoming a forensic pathologist is a long and arduous road. And, while the medical training alone can last five to six years, only the final year or two are spent dedicated to forensic pathology. The rest are devoted to general medical training and general clinical and anatomical pathology training.

Instructions

1. Earn good grades in college. While a degree in a science is not required, certain science courses, including biology, chemistry and physics, are required to apply to medical school.

2. Take the Medical College Admissions Test, or MCAT, before applying to medical school. This is a four-part exam testing your knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics, verbal ability and comprehensive writing ability. A score between 25 and 30 is considered competitive.

3. Study hard in medical school, but devote extra attention to histology and pathology courses to be sure you excel in those specialties. Take pathology electives during your clinical years.

4. Take the first two parts of the United States Medical Licensing Exam, or USMLE. These test your knowledge of basic sciences and clinical skills. Scores are used in conjunction with grades and recommendations when applying to post-graduate training programs.

5. Complete a year-long internship in general medicine and take the final USMLE exam to obtain your medical license. This is required before beginning a pathology program.

6. Complete a three-year clinical and anatomical pathology training program. Pathology residents study histology, immunology, pathology and other specialties during their training. Residents may also take forensic pathology electives.

7. Complete a one or two-year fellowship in forensic pathology. Forensic pathology fellows perform over 200 autopsies and attend a number of crime and accident scenes during their training to prepare them for a career in forensics.

References

• Virginia Jobs: Medical Examiner
• Emory University: Forensic Pathology Fellowship
• Forensic Pathologist