法医病理学家的职业或工作机会

聚光灯

类似标题

Anatomic Pathologist, Cytopathologist, Dermatopathologist, Hematopathologist, Neuropathologist, Oral Pathologist, Pathologist, Surgical Pathologist, Medical Examiner, Coroner, Forensic Medical Specialist

工作描述

Forensics is the use of scientific techniques to investigate crimes and examine evidence for legal proceedings. Pathologists are medical doctors who diagnose patients by examining tissues, cells, and bodily fluids.

Put the two together and you get a Forensic Pathologist—a doctor who examines the bodies of deceased persons to determine the manner and cause of death. This is often done for legal purposes when the circumstances surrounding the death seem sudden, suspicious, or unexplained.

Thus, Forensic Pathologists play a crucial role in the medical and criminal justice systems, working closely with law enforcement to provide vital information that can solve crimes and offer closure to families.

职业生涯的回报

Collaborating with law enforcement and legal teams to aid in investigations
Applying knowledge to solve cases and uncover the truth
Making significant contributions to the criminal justice system and public health

工资中位数

$131,618

标题

预计就业

2023 年就业

12,700

2033 年预计就业人数

13,600

内幕消息

工作职责

工作日程

Typically employed full-time, Forensic Pathologists may work long hours, including nights and weekends, especially when dealing with high-profile cases. Their work requires precision and attention to detail, often under time constraints.

典型职责

Work with law enforcement and legal teams on cases involving deceased persons
Obtain details related to the circumstances of death (i.e. location, time the body was found, position of the body, witness statements, environmental conditions, etc.)
Review medical histories and conduct autopsies to help determine causes and manners of death (with manner categories such as natural, homicide, suicide, accident, and undetermined)
Examine bodies for abnormalities or signs of trauma. Determine any signs of disease post-mortem
Collect tissue samples. Analyze samples in a lab for signs of disease or poison
Estimate times of death
Document findings in detailed reports, including observations and lab results
Testify in court about findings and opinions
Create reports for public health organizations or law enforcement, as necessary
Train and mentor junior pathologists and medical students

额外责任

Participate in public health studies. Help identify public health issues by analyzing death rate trends
Inform legal and public health agencies of suspicious or significant findings
Consult on medical cases with undetermined causes of death
Engage in continuous education and research activities. Stay informed about advancements in forensic science and pathology

工作中需要的技能

软技能

独立工作的能力
分析性的
批判性思维
好奇心
注重细节
Emotionally resilient
伦理
观察者
坚持不懈
身体耐力
解决问题
聪明才智
Safety consciousness
健全的判断和决策
强大的沟通能力

技术技能

Ballistic analysis
Bloodstain pattern analysis
Chemical analysis methods
Digital imaging techniques
Entomology for estimating the time of death
Forensic anthropology
Forensic information technology tools
Forensic odontology
Microscopic analysis and histopathology
Molecular biology techniques
Personal protective equipment
Psychopathology
公开演讲
Radiology and imaging techniques, such as CT scans and MRIs
Statistical methods for analyzing epidemiological data
Technical writing

不同类型的组织

Government health departments
医院
执法机构
Medical examiner or coroner offices
Universities and research institutions

期望与牺牲

Forensic Pathologists require a unique blend of medical expertise and emotional resilience. The job can be emotionally taxing because of the interaction with deceased individuals and the involvement in legal cases.

Workers in this field must be able to maintain a high degree of detachment as they rigorously try to find clues that will reveal causes and manners of death. In some cases, they may have to visit crime scenes themselves. Precision, timeliness, and meticulous attention to detail are paramount, with the outcomes often influencing legal decisions and affecting the lives of others.

All in all, it’s a complex, high-stakes profession that requires personal sacrifices and a commitment to continuous learning. However the results of the work can be rewarding, such as helping grieving families find closure and, in some cases, aiding in the conviction of dangerous criminals.

当前趋势

The field of forensic pathology is evolving thanks to technological advancements like digital pathology and advanced imaging techniques for non-invasive autopsies. There’s also an increasing focus on molecular autopsies, using genetic testing to uncover hereditary diseases and genetic anomalies. These capabilities are enhancing the accuracy of cause-of-death determinations.

Forensic Pathologists also play a pivotal role in public health, via initiatives that monitor and analyze mortality trends. Their findings can inform public health policies aimed at preventing deaths, such as from drug overdoses and environmental factors like industrial toxins.

Social media is even helping forensic investigations by providing crucial information and leads. In addition, online platforms are greatly facilitating networking and knowledge sharing within the forensic pathology community!

从事这一职业的人在年轻时喜欢做什么样的事情......

Individuals drawn to a career in forensic pathology often have a strong interest in science, particularly biology and chemistry. They may have been intrigued by puzzles and mysteries, eager to understand how things work, especially about the human body and health.

需要的教育和培训

Forensic Pathologists undergo ~13 years of education and training, starting with a bachelor’s degree, typically in a science field such as biology, chemistry, or forensic science

Note, there’s no specifically required undergraduate major, but you’ll have to establish a solid foundation for graduate medical school (which can be tough to get into). Plus you may need to knock out specific prerequisite courses, so check with the medical school program you plan on applying to later

Following the bachelor’s, students must enroll in an accredited medical school to complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) program. This usually takes four years to finish

Note, students must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), sometime during or after their junior year, and submit their scores with their med school applications

After medical school, they start the medical licensure process by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (for MDs) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (for DOs)
Next is matching to a ~4-year pathology residency program to gain a comprehensive knowledge of pathology, including both anatomic and clinical pathology, disease mechanisms, diagnostic techniques, and laboratory skills
Like all residencies, pathology residencies are competitive and there’s no guarantee that a medical school graduate will be accepted into a residency program
Students who don’t match up with a residency through the National Resident Matching Program can still try through the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program.
After residency, Forensic Pathologists do a 1 to 2-year fellowship specializing in principles and practices related to the legal aspects of medicine and death investigation

This includes performing autopsies and interpreting toxicological analyses

Forensic Pathologists then apply for certification from the American Board of Pathology
Certification requires passing two exams, one written and one with a practical component
In some cases, additional state-specific licensure is required
Lastly, Maintenance of Certification is an ongoing education and professional development requirement necessary to stay updated with advancements in forensic science, legal requirements, and medical technologies

在大学中需要注意的事项

Prospective Forensic Pathologists should seek accredited medical schools with strong pathology programs, clinical rotation opportunities, and top-notch research facilities
Research the faculty biographies to review their current research and past awards and work
Consider the cost of tuition, discounts, and local scholarship opportunities (in addition to federal aid via the FAFSA)

高中和大学里的事情

Read about a day in the life of a Forensic Pathologist!
Focus on coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, math, and physics. It’s also helpful to have speech or debate courses
Talk to your high school advisor about advancement placement classes to prepare you for college
Strive for good grades all around so you can have a competitive GPA when applying to colleges for your undergraduate degree
Decide what you want to major in as an undergraduate, keeping in mind that you are laying the foundation for medical school later! Select your electives carefully so you’ll have a strong pre-med foundation in chemistry, biology, math, and other prerequisites
Participate in student clubs related to science, medicine, pathology, or forensic science
Assist with research projects and attend workshops where you can gain practical hands-on experience

Forensic Pathologists may need to learn about subjects ranging from toxicology and serology to firearms, ballistics, and trace evidence

Keep up your GPA because it’s tough to get into medical school. On average, medical schools have a 40% acceptance rate. Try to get academic honors and awards
Study hard for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
Look for medical or forensics-related part-time jobs, volunteer opportunities, or internships—especially at medical examiner or coroner offices, if possible
Keep a draft medical school application listing all of your relevant experiences and skills
Maintain your physical fitness to keep up with the long hours and demands of school and the job afterward!
Think about who you want to list as references and who can write letters of recommendation for your med school application. You’ll need 3 to 5 letters, ideally from professors in the medical field
When ready, apply to med school using:

The American Medical College Application Service, or AMCAS, for MD programs
The American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
Application Service, or AACOMAS, for DO programs
The Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service, or TMDSAS, for Texas medical schools

典型线路图

如何找到你的第一份工作

While in medical school, do your best during clinical rotations (aka clerkships) and try to earn honors or high pass grades, especially in your pathology specialization

Your performance during this rotation will demonstrate your potential for success as a resident!

After graduating from medical school and passing the applicable licensing exam (the United States Medical Licensing Examination for MDs, or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination for DOs), it’s time to try and match for a residency program
Technically, your first pathologist job will be as a resident in a pathology residency program! Residents are working doctors and legally recognized as physicians, but to practice independently they must finish residency

Note, that residency programs pay a stipend to residents, which is considered a salary. However, it’s lower than the salaries earned by physicians who have completed all of their education and training

Start preparing your residency application well in advance, including letters of recommendation from faculty or mentors who can attest to your abilities
Highlight relevant clinical rotations, electives, and extracurricular activities you’ve finished
Do your research on residency programs to learn about their culture, values, and other details, so you can tailor your application effectively
Write a compelling personal statement that conveys your passion for the specialty, your career goals, and the reasons why you’re a unique candidate!
Try to get high scores on the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX)
Prepare for interviews by learning about the program staff or possible interviewers, the program itself, and program-related topics

如何爬梯子

After your residency, it’s time to proceed to a fellowship, an advanced training program lasting 1 or 2 years
Fellowships provide practical experience with autopsies and forensic pathology services, as well as academic instruction in death scene investigation, post-mortem examinations, and court testimony skills
Upon completion of the fellowship, Forensic Pathologists take the American Board of Pathology’s board certification exam in forensic pathology
The exam is computer-based and consists of 225 questions in the Written/Practical sections and 50 questions in the Virtual Microscopy sections
Subject areas include:

“Pathology and interpretation of natural disease, therapy, and trauma,
“Interpretation of injury patterns and stigmata,
“Pathology and certification of natural and violent deaths,
“Interpretation of clinical and postmortem chemistries and
toxicologies,
“Molecular biology, forensic odontology, physical anthropology, and
“Criminalistics, public health, jurisprudence, management, and safety”

In some cases, additional state-specific licensure is required
Once all residency, certification, and licensure are done, Forensic Pathologists can really start to advance their careers, gaining experience in high-profile cases
Consider specialization in areas like neuropathology, pediatric pathology, or forensic anthropology for specialized investigative roles
Slowly progress toward leadership roles like Senior Forensic Pathologist/Chief Medical Examiner
If you’re interested in teaching and research, look into faculty positions, department chairs, or lead research programs in medical schools and universities
Serve as an expert witness or consultant in legal cases, or in advisory roles in policy development
Mentor students and residents. Carefully adhere to all safety protocols
Maintain certification via ongoing education and professional development
Elevate your profile through research publications, conference speaking, and panel participation. Seek leadership roles in professional organizations
Work with international organizations on global health initiatives, disaster response, and human rights investigations

推荐的工具/资源

网站

书籍

Diagnostic Pathology: Forensic Autopsy, by Mary Ann Sens MD PhD and Rhome Hughes M.D
DiMaio’s Forensic Pathology (Practical Aspects of Criminal and Forensic Investigations), by Vincent J.M. DiMaio and D. Kimberley Molina
Principles of Forensic Pathology: From Investigation to Certification, by Susan F. Ely and James R. Gill

B计划

Forensic Pathologists have vital but demanding jobs that can take an emotional and physical toll after a while. If you’re interested in reviewing some additional career fields, check out the options below!

生物学技术员
Chemist and Materials Scientist
Clinical Pathologist
Coroner
Detective and Criminal Investigator
Digital Forensics Analyst
Fraud Examiner, Investigator, and Analyst
Histology Technician
Intelligence Analyst
Legal Medicine Practitioner
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician
Medical Researcher
Police and Detective
Police Identification and Records Officer
Private Detective and Investigator
Public Health Administrator
Toxicologist

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编辑者马特-盖茨

法医病理学家

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