Forensic Pathology Facts

While everyday pathology laboratories witness little of the high drama displayed in television crime labs, forensic pathologists do perform a type of detective work in their quest to discover the cause of death in an individual. According to the National Association of Medical Examiners, these skilled medical experts must perform a variety of tissue biopsies, lab tests and examinations of internal organs to piece together a picture of how the person died and whether the death had natural or unnatural causes.

Definition

• Forensic Medical defines forensic pathology as the medical science of determining the cause of a death. The Latin word “forensis,” or “of a forum,” refers to a community. Forensic pathology serves a community by providing it with valuable insights, especially if the death suggests or proves the commission of a crime. According to forensic pathologist Dr. Joseph I. Cohen, forensic pathology draws on elements of the two main forms of pathology, anatomic pathology and clinical pathology, to achieve its goals.

Purpose

• Forensic pathology aims to determine both the mechanism, or direct cause, of death and the underlying or contributing factors behind it. Pathologists attempt to answer questions relating to whether natural processes caused the death, whether medications or street drugs played a role, whether caregiver negligence caused death through an act of omission, and whether the case requires a complete autopsy or a mere external examination. The findings can influence not only the legal system but also insurance companies’ compensation to the beneficiaries.

Functions

• Forensic pathologists often perform autopsies to aid them in determining cause of death. An autopsy involves a thorough examination of the inside and outside of the body, including major organs systems, to check for signs of injury or illness. The examination of the outside of the body includes noting all distinguishing external features, including scars or tattoos. Forensic pathologists’ extensive training and knowledge also qualify them as expert witnesses for courtroom testimony. Pathology labs associated with medical examiners’ or coroner’s offices may operate every day of the year, depending on the jurisdiction and the number of available pathologists.

Training

• According to Forensic Medical, people who wish to become forensic pathologists must first graduate from an osteopathic or medical school, then receive six years of additional training through residencies in both forensic and standard pathology. Following this long and difficult process, candidates may take the American Board of Pathology examination, and if they pass they become board-certified forensic pathologists. Medical examiners often have this specialized background in addition to their required experience in general medicine.

Misconceptions

• Forensic Medical notes that television shows about forensic pathologists show these practitioners serving more as criminal detectives than as pathologists, discovering precise details such as time of death that a real forensic pathologist could only approximate from the medical evidence. While real forensic pathology may possess less flair than the televised variety, however, Dr. Cohen points out that forensic pathologists may still have to speak before juries and can benefit from an outgoing personality.