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Forensic pathology is a branch of Medicine concerned with determining Cause Of Death , usually for Criminal Law cases and Civil Law cases in some Jurisdictions . The word Forensics is derived from the Latin ''forēnsis'' meaning ''public'' or ''forum''. The word '' Pathology '' literally means ''study of disease''. SCOPE OF FORENSIC PATHOLOGY ''The Forensic pathologist'':
In an Autopsy , he /she is often assisted by an autopsy/mortuary technician (sometimes called a Diener in the USA). Forensic physicans (sometimes referred to as 'Forensic Medical Examiners' or 'Police Surgeons' (in the UK until recently)) are medical doctors trained in the examination of, and provision of medical treatment to, living victims of assault (including sexual assault) and those individuals who find themselves in police custody. Many forensic physicians in the UK practice clinical forensic medicine on a part-time basis, whilst they also practice family medicine, or another Medical Specialty . INVESTIGATION OF DEATH Deaths that are not considered natural are investigated. In some Jurisdiction s this is done by a ''coroner'' and in others by a ''medical examiner''. Terminology is not consistent across jurisdictions In some jurisdictions, the title of "Medical Examiner" is used by non-physician, elected officials involved in medicolegal death investigation. In others, the title is reserved exclusively for physicians that are appointed. Similarly, the title "Coroner" is applied to both physicians and non-physicians. Historically, coroners were not all physicians. However, in some jurisdictions the title of "Coroner" is exclusively used by physicians. Canadian coroners In Canada, Coroner s are licensed physicians, usually Family Physician s. The Coroner System. USW. http://www.usw.ca/program/content/3179.php . Accessed on: June 7, 2007.Coroners' law resource. King's College London. http://www.kcl.ac.uk/depsta/law/research/coroners/canada.html . Accessed on: June 7, 2007. Coroners and medical examiner in the US In the United States, a Coroner , typically, is an elected Public Official , in a particular geographic jurisdiction, who investigates and certifies deaths. The vast majority of coroners lack a Doctor Of Medicine degree and the amount of medical training that they have received is highly variable, depending on their profession (e.g. law enforcement, judges, funeral directors, firefighters, nurses). In contrast, a Medical Examiner , typically, is a Physician who holds the degree of Doctor Of Medicine . Ideally, a Medical Examiner has completed both a Pathology Residency (medicine) and a fellowship in forensic pathology. He or she may also be board certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic and Forensic Pathology. This entails passing separate examinations in anatomic pathology and forensic pathology. To be eligible for the American Board of Pathology's board examinations, a candidate must demonstrate that he or she has completed training in anatomic pathology and forensic pathology at programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. HISTORY IN UNITED STATES Forensic pathology was first recognized in the USA by the American Board of Pathology in 1959 .1 BECOMING A FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST Forensic pathology is a Subspecialty of Anatomical Pathology and typically one year of additional training (a Fellowship ), that is completed after becoming a Licensed Anatomical Pathologist . Becoming an anatomical pathologist requires completing a four or five year Residency in anatomical pathology, which is something one does on completing Medical School . In CanadaResidency Training Programs. Dalhousie University . URL: http://pathology.medicine.dal.ca/anatomical.html . Accessed on: June 7, 2007. and UK, anatomical pathology is a five year residency. In the US, ''anatomic pathology'' (as it is called), is a four year residency. In the United States , all told, the education after High School is typically 13 years in duration (4 years Undergraduate training + 4 years medical school + 4 years residency (in anatomical pathology) + 1 year forensic pathology fellowship). Generally, the biggest hurdle is gaining admission to medical school. REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS
Becoming a pathologist
SEE ALSO FURTHER READING
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