Forensic pathologists are physicians are board-certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and certified in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology. These physicians are trained in traditional medicine, but also possess significant education and training in various forensic subspecialties. They are experts in determining cause and manner of death, and are specifically trained to identify the presence or absence of disease or injury, to evaluate investigative information and medical records, and to reconstruct how a person received his or her injuries. The forensic pathologist must have a working knowledge of numerous scientific disciplines in order to accurately assess all evidentiary information presented on the body. Some forensic pathologists further specialize in areas such as cardiac pathology, neuropathology, and pediatric pathology.
An individual choosing Forensic Pathology as a career should plan on receiving a Bachelor’s degree before spending the next four years in medical school earning an M.D. or D.O. degree. After medical school, there are several routes the doctor may follow in order to become a forensic pathologist. All options involve rigorous training in anatomic pathology followed by at least one year of additional training in forensic pathology and death investigation. A qualified physician may become board-certified in forensic pathology by passing the appropriate examination administered by the American Board of Pathology.