Forensic pathology is the term used to describe the branch of pathology that requires a trained professional to examine a corpse in order to determine the cause of death. Additionally, part of the responsibility of a forensic pathologist may be identification of the deceased. Once the medical examiner, or coroner, makes the request, the pathologist then proceeds with the autopsy. In some instances, this information is then used during civil law investigations and criminal law cases. 

Once the body is examined, the cause of death and its surrounding circumstance are then determined and applied to the case, if needed. The manner of death can be listed by the Forensic Pathologist to be undetermined, suicide, natural, accidental or homicide. Due to the fact that these professionals can determine the most likely cause of death and collects additional evidence essential to the case, they are often called as an expert to stand trial in the event of a murder, homicide or other type of criminal death.

In the United States, forensic pathologists typically complete an additional 13 years of education and training after high school graduation. These years of education include four years each of undergraduate training, medical school and residency followed by one year of fellowship in forensic pathology. Generally speaking, it is reported that the most difficult obstacle to get past during this process is being accepted into medical school. The job outlook for this type of position within the criminal justice field is in high demand and essential for many in legal disputes.

What is it?

• Forensic Pathology: Detailed information as provided by the National Institute of Justice on the career of a forensic pathologist.
• Improving Forensic Death Investigation: The National Institute of Justice discusses ways to finding solutions in order to improve the forensic death investigation methods within the industry.
• Forensic Pathology: Read about information on the forensic pathology industry and career path. This article discusses what to expect as a forensic pathologist.
• How Do You Become a Forensic Pathologist?: This article is provided by the National Association of Medical Examiners and discusses how to become a forensic pathologist.

Interest Resources

• Forensic Pathology Index: Look through the links that explain more information on forensic pathology. These links provide you with information on investigating gun shot wounds to abrasions on the skin.
• Zeno’s Forensic Site: This page provides you with an extensive amount of resources on forensic pathology.
• Firearms Tutorial: Read about information on firearms, including the terminology that is used as well as the anatomy of firearms.
• The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology: Subscribe to the American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology through this link.
• Visible Proofs: Read about various cases in forensic pathology as well as biographies, technology, media, artifacts and exhibition images.
• CSI: The Experience – Web Adventures: This site provides you with a list of resourceful information for further reading and learning on forensic science. This resource is provided by Rice University.
• Pathology Outlines: This online resource provides you with information on a variety of pathology aspects, including jobs, fellowships, conferences and books.
• WebPath: This is a computer-aided resource that provides you with information, including more than 2700 images, on various aspects of forensic pathology. This resource is provided by the Mercer University School of Medicine.
• Forensic Pathology Links: Find out more information on forensic pathology with this list of resourceful links. These links are provided by the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina.

Starting the Path

• Forensic Pathology Careers: Frequently Asked Questions: Frequently asked questions and answers on the industry and the career of a forensic pathologist.
• Forensic Pathologist: Information on what a forensic pathologist does and what to expect when entering into the field.
• Intersociety Council for Pathology Information: Find the available pathology training programs that are offered in the United States and Canada.
• Forensic Pathology Links: This links to various sources to provide you with a range of choice to obtain more information on forensic pathology.
• Reddy’s Forensic Page: This site provides you with a wide range of forensic science resources including the explanation of what it is as well as the various available programs.

Scholarships

• AFTE Scholarship Program: Information on the AFTE scholarship including basic information and how to apply. At the bottom, you are provided with a link to the various forensic programs that are offered throughout the world.
• Scholarships and Other Funding Opportunities: Information on funding opportunities and scholarships as provided by the International Association for Identification.
• Scholarships for Medical Laboratory Students: This site lists the available scholarships for medical laboratory students as provided by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
• FAFSA:This is the official federal website to apply for student financial aid. It provides you with the opportunity to receive scholarships, grants and loans that are either private or through the federal government.
• Scholarships: This site provides you with access to federal information on the various scholarships that are available. Find general information on scholarships as well as how to search for them.

Organizations

• American Academy of Forensic Sciences: The American Academy of Forensic Sciences is a professional organization geared towards the forensic sciences.
• American Society for Investigative Pathology: The American society for Investigative Pathology is an association that represents biomedical scientists in the field.
• American Board of Forensic Odontology: The American Board of Forensic Odontology was established in 1976 and is an associated geared towards those who specialize in forensic odontology.
• American Board of Forensic Toxicology: The American Board of Forensic Toxicology is incorporated as a nonprofit organization in Washington DC. It holds its accreditation by the Forensic Specialties Accreditation Board.
• American College of Forensic Examiners International: The American College of Forensic Examiners International represents forensic examiners throughout the entire world.
• The Forensic Science Society: The Forensic Science Society is one of the largest and oldest associations in the forensic industry across the world. The goal of this association is to encourage like-minded individuals to communicate and work together.
• National Association of Medical Examiners: The National Association of Medical Examiners provides you with a missing persons database and an unidentified persons database.
• Society of Forensic Toxicologists: The Society of Forensic Toxicologists is an organization designed for those who are interested or involved in the field of forensic toxicology or pathology.
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences: The American Academy of Forensic Sciences has been in business for 63 years and has over 6,000 members, each divided into 11 sections.

Career Resources

• Pathology Jobs Today: Search through the Pathology Career Center to find information on available jobs and the career as a whole. This site provides a place for both job seekers and employers or recruiters.
• Pathology Outlines: Look through this site to find local pathology jobs in your area. You can also search under different states for available openings if you are interested in relocating.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation Careers: Find available jobs and information with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This site provides you with information on the statistics of the Bureau as well as career paths, a student center and background investigation information.