Forensic Pathologist Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a forensic pathologist. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a forensic pathologist.
Who is a Forensic Pathologist?
A forensic pathologist is a physician who determines the cause of death of a person who died suspiciously, suddenly, or unexpectedly. Forensic pathology is a sub-section of pathology, which involves the diagnosis of disease by examining tissues and body fluids. While the general pathologist studies the tissues and fluids of living people, the forensic pathologist studies the tissues and fluids of deceased people.
A forensic pathologist can be considered a death detective or a death investigator.
In most jurisdictions, there are five main causes of death recognized by law: natural, homicide, suicide, accident, and unexpected. Therefore, forensic pathologists must determine which of these legal causes applies to the deceased. The cause of death is determined by performing an autopsy on the deceased.
During the autopsy, the forensic pathologist carefully examines the internal and external parts of the body of the deceased. In addition to a visual inspection of the body, small samples of tissue such as organs, skin, hair, and nails may be taken to look for signs of disease, drugs or any other substances present in the body. Once the results of all the necessary tests have been obtained, the forensic pathologist will prepare a written report containing an opinion on the legal cause of death.
A forensic pathologist may also be called to testify in court about their findings on the cause and manner of death. They are therefore often crucial witnesses in trials involving death, as their testimony and credibility can help determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.
To become a forensic pathologist, approximately thirteen to fifteen years of post-secondary education and training are required. After completing four years of university and obtaining a bachelor’s degree, a prospective forensic pathologist must complete another four years of medical school, followed by four to five years of residency training. Finally, an additional one to two years of specialized training in forensic pathology must be completed before the aspiring forensic pathologist can take the examinations necessary for certification as a forensic pathologist.
Forensic Pathologist Job Description
Below are the forensic pathologist job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a forensic pathologist include the following:
- Working as a forensic pathologist at a death scene
- Examining the medical history of the deceased
- Accompanying investigators to crime scenes involving a death
- Issuing death certificates
- Determining the presence or absence of disease, injury or poisoning
- Collecting evidence for testing and analysis
- Collecting tissue samples for analysis using a microscope or biopsy.
- Determining the condition of different organs in the body.
- Testifying in the courtroom
- Communicating with families about the cause of death and gathering more information about the patient.
- Working with other specialists to determine the cause of death, including law enforcement officers, toxicologists, forensic dentists, biochemists and pharmacologists.
- Conducting autopsies, including external inspection of the body, collection of biological or tissue samples and documentation of results.
- Liaising with other health professionals, such as doctors or nurses, to exchange information on the condition of patients
- Conducting forensic examinations of bodies to determine the cause of death in cases of homicide or suicide.
- Conducting research in areas related to forensic pathology.
- Reviewing medical records and autopsy reports to determine the cause of death
- Undertaking research and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Reviewing photographs and other evidence collected at the scene to determine the time of death and other details.
- Preparing reports detailing the forensic findings
Qualifications
A forensic pathologist usually has the following qualifications:
Education
Forensic pathologists must have a medical degree. They must have completed four years of undergraduate study and then four years of a medical study.
During medical school, forensic pathologists study the human body, diseases, anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, medical ethics, and other topics. They also spend time in clinical rotations where they gain practical experience in a medical setting.
Training and experience
Forensic pathologists receive most of their training through educational programmes. They also receive on-the-job training as residents and fellows.
Certification and licensure
Most employers require forensic pathologists to be certified. To be certified, a forensic pathologist must graduate from an accredited medical school, complete an internship, and pass the U.S. medical licensing exam.
Essential Skills
- Problem-solving skills
Problem-solving skills are essential for forensic pathologists to be able to solve the problems they encounter in their work. They often use these skills when examining dead bodies, as they need to find evidence to help law enforcement agencies identify suspects and bring criminals to justice. Forensic pathologists also use their problem-solving skills when determining how a person died in order to inform family members of what happened.
- Reporting
Forensic pathologists use their report-writing skills to create detailed records of their findings. These reports are used by other medical professionals and by law enforcement. It is therefore important that forensic pathologists write clear and concise documents. They also use these skills when creating court cases, which require careful documentation.
- Bloodstain analysis
Bloodstain analysis is the ability to interpret how blood may have been moved or transported. This can be useful in a crime scene investigation, as it can help forensic pathologists determine where the person was at the time of injury and what actions they took afterward.
- Analytical skills
Forensic pathologists use their analytical skills to interpret the data and draw conclusions about the cause of death. They also use these skills when reviewing medical records, examining evidence, and conducting autopsies. Forensic pathologists must be able to identify patterns to determine the cause of death of a person.
- Crime scene reconstruction
The ability of a forensic pathologist to reconstruct a crime scene is an important skill. They use this knowledge when examining a body and determining the cause of death. They use this skill to know where the evidence needs to be to find it. It also helps them to determine how long someone was at the crime scene or what happened before the person died.
- Case management
Case management is the ability to manage a patient’s treatment from start to finish. As a forensic pathologist, you may be responsible for managing the treatment and recovery of a patient. This includes making appointments, communicating with other health professionals involved in the case, and ensuring that the patient is treated appropriately.
- Trial support
Forensic pathologists often work with lawyers to determine the cause of death of people involved in car accidents or crimes. They may also testify in court about their findings and provide evidence to support a particular conclusion. Having strong trial support skills can help forensic pathologists in the legal system when necessary.
- Organization
Organization is the ability to keep track of files, records and other information. As a forensic scientist, you may need to organize your workplace so that you can easily find the documents you need when the need arises. You may also need to organize autopsy reports and other documents.
- Objectivity
The objectivity of forensic scientists is very important because it allows them to draw accurate conclusions about the cause of death. This skill also helps them to remain professional when dealing with complex cases, such as those involving children or animal deaths. Objectivity can help forensic scientist to maintain composure during autopsies and interviews with law enforcement officials.
- DNA analysis
DNA analysis is the process by which forensic scientists identify and interpret genetic material. This skill allows them to determine whether biological samples contain DNA from more than one person. Forensic pathologists use this information to evaluate evidence in criminal cases. They also use it to validate their conclusions.
- Autopsies
Performing autopsies is one of the main functions of the forensic pathologist. During an autopsy, the pathologist examines the body if a victim to determine the cause of death and contributing factors. The pathologist then provides a detailed report of his or her findings to the medical examiner or law enforcement officials who need this information for the investigation.
- Attention to detail
Attention to detail is an important skill for forensic pathologists, as it allows them to do their job accurately. With this skill, they can establish the cause of death and determine whether there were any contributing factors or other circumstances relating to the person’s health at the time of death. It also ensures that they properly examine and interpret all the evidence from the investigation.
- Toxicology
Toxicology is the study of toxins and their effects on the body. Forensic pathologists use toxicology to determine whether a person’s death was caused by an external factor, such as a poison or drug overdose. They also use it to determine what substances were present in a person’s body at the time of death. This information can help law enforcement agencies find evidence to support their case.
- Communication
Communication is the ability to convey information in a way that others can understand. As a forensic pathologist, you may need to communicate with patients and other health professionals about your findings. This skill can help you in explaining complex medical terminology in a way that lay people can understand. It also means communicating the details of the autopsy so that law enforcement officials can use them to solve crimes.
How to Become a Forensic Pathologist
It takes about 13 years to become a forensic pathologist, including university, medical school, residency, internship and certification.
The following are the steps to take to become a forensic pathologist:
- Obtain a Bachelor’s degree
Earn a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or a related field. Courses should include anatomy, biochemistry and other subjects that will prepare you for medical school. At the end of your junior year or the beginning of your senior year, you will need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). All medical schools will require your MCAT scores as well as your transcripts, letters of recommendation and other application materials.
- Get a medical school diploma
You can choose to study either allopathic medicine or osteopathic medicine. Both programmes last about four years and offer the same training. During the first two years, you will be taught in a classroom setting. In the last two years, you will rotate through teaching hospitals and clinics. The rotation will give you practical experience of working in a medical environment.
During medical school, you will also take the first two steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Students usually take the first stage after their second year and the second stage between their third and fourth years. Successful completion of the USMLE is required to obtain a medical license. In your fourth year, you will apply to pathology residency programs at accredited medical schools and hospitals.
- Applying for a state medical license
Once you have completed your education and passed your third USMLE, you can apply for a medical license. Each state has different requirements for obtaining a medical license, but all require proof of completion of medical school and a passing grade on the USMLE. Some states issue a provisional license until you take the USMLE. Research your state’s requirements to see if there are any additional requirements.
- Take a residency
Complete a three-year residency in pathology, with an emphasis on clinical and anatomical pathology. During this time, you will learn to perform autopsies, make diagnoses and perform medical laboratory tests under the supervision of a certified forensic pathologist. Make sure your residency program is approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
- Completing your residency
After completing your residency, complete an ACGME-approved forensic pathology internship to be fully prepared for a career in this field. The one-year internship typically involves toxicology, forensic anthropology, death certification and sometimes crime scene investigation.
- Applying for board certification
Nearly all forensic pathologists obtain certification from the American Board of Pathology to demonstrate their competence in the field, thereby, increasing their earning potential, and enhancing their employment opportunities. Before becoming certified in the subspecialty of forensic pathology, you must be certified in anatomic or clinical pathology, complete one year of training, and pass an examination.
Where to Work as a Forensic Pathologist
Forensic pathologists work in a variety of settings, including morgues, hospitals and laboratories. They generally work for up to 40 hours per week but may be on call 24 hours a day and work irregular hours. Forensic pathologists may be required to work overtime, on weekends and public holidays. They may also be required to give evidence in court or consult with the police and other law enforcement officials. The work can be stressful and emotionally demanding, and forensic pathologists must be able to cope with the sight and smell of dead bodies. They must also be to communicate with grieving families.
Forensic Pathologist Salary Scale
Salaries for forensic pathologists in the United States range from $33,829 to $780,297, with an average salary of $165,030.