Forensic Pathologist
A forensic pathologist, also known as a medical examiner, is a trained physician who examines and ultimately determines the cause of death for people who have died unexpectedly, suddenly, or by violent means. To do this, a forensic pathologist reviews the medical history of the deceased individual, looks for clues at the crime scene, performs the autopsy, and gathers any evidence found on the body. After completing this process, the forensic pathologist writes a report on his or her findings and may appear in court to testify about those findings.
Forensic pathologists typically work long shifts that range from 10-12 hours depending on the case and location of the crime scene. The majority of this shift is spent working in the lab, examining the victim's body and other relevant data. Any additional time is spent writing reports and testifying in court. Field work might constitute a small portion of the forensic pathologist's day if he or she needs to collect further evidence.
To excel in this career, a forensic pathologist must possess a good work ethic combined with a strong aptitude for science, considering this career heavily relies on biology, chemistry, physics, and other core sciences. A forensic pathologist also should have a strong stomach—this job can be gruesome and unpleasant at times. Additionally, good communication skills and confidence are vital attributes because forensic pathologists must interact with other forensic professionals as well as testify in court, where they must defend their findings.
Training & Education
To become a forensic pathologist, a minimum of 13 years of post high school education and training is required. If you are a high school student considering this career, you should concentrate on taking math, science, and English courses. After graduation from high school, the next step is earning a bachelor's degree.
During your undergraduate education, you can major in whatever you like, but keep in mind that certain classes are required for admission to medical school, which is the next step in this long process. After obtaining your undergraduate degree, you must earn either an MD or a DO from a medical school, completing about four to five years of pathology training. This training can either be in clinical, anatomic, or forensic pathology. After this training, you must complete a one-year residency in forensic pathology. Once all of this education and training is finished, forensic pathologists must pass a test to become board certified.
Career & Salary Outlook
A forensic pathologist's salary varies greatly depending on his or her employer and location. The more experience and specialized a forensic pathologist is, the more earning potential he or she possesses. Typically, forensic pathologists do not earn as much as those who practice clinical or anatomic pathology. The average salary, depending on years of experience, location, and position, falls between $80,000 and $200,000 per year. According to Payscale.com, forensic pathologists who possess one to four years of experience can earn between $53,500 and $114,650 per year, and this range increases for those who have more experience.
The overall career outlook for members of the forensic pathology field is good, considering their expertise is vital to the process of solving crimes. There are a variety of different employers for forensic pathologists, including local or federal government, universities, hospitals, or private practices that contract with law enforcement. Also, a city, county, or state may appoint a forensic pathologist to be a medical examiner.
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