Careers for Forensic Pathologists

Forensic pathologists investigate whether a person's death was natural or unnatural.

While pathology involves the study of the behavior and causes of diseases in living people, forensic pathology is a subspecialty that investigates the causes of death. Also referred to as medical examiners, forensic pathologists work in coroners' offices to determine how and when the deceased expired. Consequently, forensic pathologists often collaborate with law enforcement personnel to supply evidence in cases where homicide or accidents are suspected causes of death.

Function

One of the primary responsibilities of forensic pathologists is to perform autopsies in coroner and medical examiner offices. By closely examining cadavers' tissues, cells and fluids, forensic pathologists formulate reports detailing whether the person expired from natural or unnatural causes. Forensic pathologists also collect preliminary research to determine the circumstances surrounding the death, as well as the deceased's medical history. They may also travel to the death scene and examine the body for evidence such as bullets, blood, hair, fingernail clippings or fibers. Other duties for forensic pathologists include developing procedures for special death investigations and training and supervising more junior pathologists.

Education and Skills

Because forensic pathologists are medical doctors, candidates must obtain a bachelor's degree and complete four years of medical school. After receiving their Doctor of Medicine (M.D) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, forensic pathologist candidates enter a four- to five-year residency program in forensic pathology. During their residency, forensic pathologists build their knowledge in areas such as toxicology, forensic serology, DNA technology, trace evidence analysis and forensic anthropology. Upon completing their education and professional training, forensic pathologists obtain licensure after passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Exam. Professional certification with the American Board of Pathology may also be required, depending on the state or region.

Salary

The average salary for physicians and surgeons in the United States was $173,860 as of a May 2009 Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Average earnings for physicians working in medical and diagnostic laboratories were $205,070 annually. The expected salary range for an August 2009 job posting for a forensic pathologist in California fell between $210,000 and $253,000. Salary expectations were based on credentials and experience level.

Potential

Employment opportunities for physicians and surgeons are expected to be positive during the 2008 to 2018 decade. The BLS projects that jobs for physicians overall will grow 22 percent. In addition to technological advancements in the health-care industry, population growth will drive demand for medical services. Moreover, an August 2009 National Criminal Justice Reference Services report stated that approximately 2.6 million people die in the U.S. each year. Forensic pathologists will be needed -- especially in urban areas with high crime rates -- to determine whether those deaths are caused by natural or unnatural circumstances.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons, All Other
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons
• National Criminal Justice Reference Services: Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward
• Criminology Degree: Becoming A Forensic Pathologist
• Coroners.org: Forensic Pathologist