Forensic Pathologist: How Do I Become One?

Due to what is known as the "C.S.I. Effect", many people are becoming more interested in the field of Forensic Science. However the vast majority of people base their knowledge on the television shows like "C.S.I.", "Bones", and what not and are rudely awakened to realize that the real C.S.I. is not like the television show at all. Crimes are not solved in one hour and a fingerprint will not produce a current picture, address, and favorite food when the computer screens it.

One of the biggest interests is in the Medical Examiner, or the Forensic Pathologist. Their job is do determine how a person died. This involves doing autopsies, looking at slides under the microscope, and reviewing medical records. It also involves going to court on a regular basis and dealing with police officers, families, and politicians. It takes someone with a strong gut to look at dead bodies all day, however they have taken a very long road to get where they are.

First they graduate from high school and then go to college, which is four years. The major is not particularly important, as long as they do well ( roughly 3.5 GPA) and take all pre medical school classes, like biology, physics, chemistry, organic chemistry, and calculus to name a few. Then they have to take the MCAT, which is the medical school standardized test and must do well on it.

After graduation comes four years of medical school. The school is also not particularly important, however the better medical schools allow better positioning for residencies after medical school graduation. Residencies are very competitive, so one needs all the help they can get.

Once they have survived medical school, then they go on to do a four year residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. Pathology is the study of tissues. The location of this residency now comes into play. Once this residency is over, they go onto a one to two-year fellowship in Forensic Pathology, meaning the study of pathology as it pertains to law, in other words, dead bodies. If the location of their residency is near the location of one of the fellowships, they are more likely to get the fellowship. In addition to all this schooling, they must pass their Board reviews to become a doctor, as well as pass reviews to become a pathologist, as well as pass reviews to become a Forensic Pathologist.

After all that schooling, and testing, and dissecting, then it is a piece of cake. Just kidding.

So just in case you were thinking about a career in Forensic Pathology, I hope your have your calender all clear for the next 12+ years or so, because that is the minimum amount of time it takes to become a Forensic Pathologist. Good Luck!