9781422273470

Uncovering How and Why a Person Died

Forensic pathology is a specialty of the broader field of pathology, the study of disease. According to the Royal College of Pathologists in Great Britain, “pathology is the bridge between science and medicine.” Forensic pathologists apply their scientific and medical knowledge in service of the law. Their primary duty is to investigate the cause and manner of death as part of the legal process. Forensic pathologists are also called “medical examiners.” They conduct autopsies on people who have died. “Autopsy” is the formal word for the examination of a dead person’s body. The word “autopsy” comes from Greek, meaning “to see for one’s self.” An autopsy involves a formal medical examination of a body and its organs and fluids. It can be conducted for medical purposes as well as legal purposes. When the legal system is involved, the autopsy is called a “forensic autopsy.” Not all autopsies are conducted to find out whether a crime has been committed. Some are conducted to learn the cause and A forensic pathologist is a physician who has been trained in forensics and in pathology. After completing the requirements to be admitted to medical school, they must complete medical school, then perform an internship and residency to become a pathologist. It takes a minimum of eleven years of undergraduate and medical school education and training to become a forensic pathologist. The usual path for medical school is an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree in biology or another pre-med science program, then four years of medical school, an internship, and then three years of residency before a person can become a licensed forensic pathologist. The American Board of Pathology certifies forensic pathologists in the United States. It requires candidates to have completed four years in an accredited medical school or school of osteopathy and to have a manner of death when it’s not known. Education Requirements

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