Forensic Pathology

[onslo]

Well clairetrayers, im looking for all the information that i can find. im really struggling on the issue of future careers. im supposed to fill in some forms for school and im supposed to fill in three career chooses. im stuck! i really need all the info i can get!

[Capndeja]

Hi guys,

I too am so very eager to get into Forensic Pathology. I've just finished my 2nd year of Forensic and Crime Scene Science, and I'm looking to get into one of the fast track courses... but that means applying very early of course as the deadline is October, so I'm already behind!

This has been asked, but I'm still concerned... should I, at interview (on the hope that I get that far), let them know where I want to end up or do they want to hear how much I care for people and such? Which I do! But I have had my heart set on Forensic Pathology for so long now.

Thanks in advance!

T.

[Leo2004]

Hey Capndeja,

In answer to your question, in my opinion.

At interview you have a basic choice between saying:

-you are interested in how the body is affected by disease and this has lead you to find out about pathology;

- you are interested in medicine in general and how you can train to be a doctor ;

- you want to study an MBBS to be a forensic pathologist.

If you use the pathology line, expect lots of questions of first year med school level path questions, to probe whether you have done some reading and can remember it.

If you use the medicine line, be prepared for questions relating to what experience you have gained of ill people for example by volunteering in a hospice/care home or working as a HCA etc, as well as questions on clinical medicine.

If you use the forensic path line, be prepared to be grilled on what the work actually is about and whether you have spent some time experiencing it; or questions about pathology or questions about the forensic (legal aspects of) medicine.

Hope this is helpful.

If you are interested in reading a pathology book, I would recommend:
- Basic Pathology by Lakhani et al for a gentle review of concepts if needed. It assumes little prior knowledge yet arguably contains all the material needed to pass the pathology elements of a medical degree.

- Robbins & Cottran's Pathologic Basis of Disease for more advanced treatment of the subject.

For forensic pathology, I would recommend Knight's Forensic Pathology.

Both Robbins and Knights are used by doctors in training in forensic and histopathology.

Good luck!

Leo