Forensic Pathology

[Elmer2]

Hi I am currently a first year medical student and am quite interested in academic medicine / forensic pathology. It seems like quite an obscure branch though. Are there any organisations I could approach for summer internships or something to help me gain experience of the field? Any tips on how to get into the field, and any areas of the country which are particularly renowned for it. Would an intercalated BSc be useful and, if so, which ones? Cheers.

[pinkicemaiden]

This is a very good website which organises research exchanges. there are some interesting pathology ones in Poland. It is organised through MEDSIN.
Hope this helps


http://www.ifmsa.org/score/

[quincy]

Good luck quincy - the whole med school application process is a nightmare, but you'll get there. Where you applying to?

hey - only just got back to checking this post! ive applied to UEA (amongst others) and have my interview tomorrow (tue 9th jan - at 405pm). i read one of your posts the other day, youre gonig to be there helping...might bump into each other!?

fingers crossed i blag my way through without too much drama! :-)

Hx

[asklepios]

i've been interested in forensic science since I was a wee lad watching Quincy, then the REAL forensic programs on the Discovery channel (not this dramatic CSI bollocks), and the idea of becoming a forensic pathologist drove me through the premedical years and up til now I've kind of hidden that desire, since it doesn't seem like the thing to bring up at med school interviews. Seems rather silly to pretend to want to be something other than what I think I want now. I admit that things may change, but I also feel pretty strongly that this is the route I want to go down. Only time will tell, eh?

One thing I'm curious about, though, is who do forensic pathologists work for in this country? On the NHS pages, it says that they don't work for them. Are they independent then? How much work do they get, and from where? Where do they work? In their own labs, or in coroner's offices, or hospital mortuaries? Or all of the above? I've tried to read more about it, such as the interview with Rob Chapman in the Student BMJ but it didn't directly answer these questions. Are Forensic medicine clinicians taking the place of forensic pathologists?

[ewllim]

Hey there
Forensic pathology/medicine and forensic science are different subjects
Forensic physicians, forensic pathologists and forensic scientists are all different.

Forensic pathologists are medics trained up through their houseman year/ FY who then chose to SHO/ST in pathology, attain their MRCPath part I in Histopathology then generally they move into Forensic Pathology as an SpR / ST continuation. There are few training posts (2 in Scotland (glasgow and dundee), one in Belfast, 2 in Cardiff and a handful in England (2 in london, 2 in leicester, at least 1 in liverpool etc). Training experience varies greatly dependent on the centre you are in. You then take the FRCPath part II in Forensics which will gain you your Consultancy.

Consultant Forensic Pathologists are 'employed' in varying ways dependent on location. For example in Dundee they are University employees, in Edinburgh NHS employees, in Sheffield they are privately funded through the Forensic Science Service, in London they form part of a Private Group so are in effect 'self employed', in Dublin they are Civil Servants.

Forensic Physicians work with live patients so e.g. rape victims and custody cases in the cells in prison. They are sometimes called 'Police Physicians' and are often GPs working on a part time basis.

I hope this helps.

Here are a few links you might find useful if contemplating forensics as a career. Feel free to email me or ask any further questions

All the best

BMJ article

Dundee Forensics Centre

Leicester forensics unit


BAFM

[Nola7]

I really want to go into this field too, Im doing an undergrad degree now in Forensic Science and Human Biology and Im planning on going to medical school after that. I know its a lot of work to get there but it will be worth it! I know I have a strong stomach for it too, I assist a freelance embalmer in my spare time to get used to the sights and smells, its been a very valuable experience! I am struggling a bit to find the best way to go about getting into forensic pathology as different sources say diferent things.

[asklepios]

I am struggling a bit to find the best way to go about getting into forensic pathology as different sources say diferent things.

Hey, good to hear from you! The Royal College of Pathologists has info on the training pathway. Apparently, some research and/or prior experience may be counted toward part of your training. Basically, you do F1/2 like everyone else, then get into histopathology specialist training. Within that, you can subspecialise in Forensic Pathology. It takes about 5 years to get to consultant level. Then it appears most of the work is done through the Home Office's Forensic Science Service (at least, that's what I've gathered) and private work, rather than within the NHS.

some sites of interest:
Forensic Medicine for Medical Students
The Royal College of Pathologists | Training & education
Career Opportunities - Scientific
Grim glamour: what is forensic pathology like as a career?
Forensic Pathology Section : University of Leicester
Forensic Pathology documents & other information | Home Office
SQFP: Forensic Pathology / Salford Quays Forensic Pathology

I hope this helps!

[Nola7]

Thanks so much for the advice and the links, Ill check them out now Sorry to sound really dumb but whats F1/2? I really feel Im clueless about everything! While Im here, can anybody explain UKCAT to me, like when I need to take the test and stuff? Thank you!

[Nola7]

Hi Claire, thanks for your reply and all that info, it helps a lot. My degree is going fine thanks, Ive just finished my first year so I still have a looooong way to go! But Ive been wanting to go into forensic pathology for years now so I know its what I want to do, however long it takes! Thanks again x

[Amberj]

Does anyone know what the competition is like for FP?