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Forensic pathologists determine the cause of death in individuals who have died suddenly, unnaturally, or suspiciously. They perform autopsies and may testify in court. They require 13-15 years of post-high school education and training.
A forensic pathologist is a physician who determines the cause of death in an individual who has died suddenly, suspiciously, unnaturally, or unexpectedly. Forensic pathology is a subset of pathology, which is the diagnosis of disease through the study of body tissues and fluids. While a general pathologist studies the tissues and fluids of the living, the forensic pathologist studies that of the dead.
A forensic pathologist can be thought of as a detective or death investigator. He or she may be a medical examiner or medical examiner for a jurisdiction or work with the medical examiner or medical examiner. Some forensic pathologists also choose to work in an independent, private practice.
In most jurisdictions, there are five main legally recognized causes of death: natural, homicide, suicide, accident and undetermined. Forensic pathologists must therefore determine which of these legal causes apply to the deceased individual. The cause of death is determined by performing an autopsy on the deceased.
During an autopsy, a forensic pathologist thoroughly examines the interior and exterior of the deceased’s body. In addition to a visual examination of the body, small samples of tissue such as organs, skin, hair and nails may be taken for examination to check for signs of disease, drugs or any substances present in the body. Once the results of any applicable tests have been received, the forensic pathologist completes a written report concluding the legal cause of death.
Forensic pathologists may also be called upon to testify in court regarding their findings about the cause and mode of death. As such, they are often crucial witnesses in death trials, as their testimony and credibility can help determine a defendant’s guilt or innocence.
Forensic pathologists must undergo approximately thirteen to fifteen years of post-high school education and training. After graduating from a four-year college and earning a bachelor’s degree, a prospective forensic pathologist must attend four more years of medical school, followed by four to five years of residency. Finally, an additional year or two of specialized forensic pathology training must be completed before the prospective forensic pathologist can take the necessary exams to become certified as a forensic pathologist.
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