How to Become a Forensic Pathologist

About Forensic Pathologist

A forensic pathologist is an expert who has the specialized knowledge to determine the cause of death, injury and wound of a person.  They are involved with cases that involve alleged causes of death or injury.

In most cases, they conduct autopsies in laboratories or morgue. They examine patients for any sort of physical or sexual abuse. The job role of a Forensic Pathologist is the combination of medical examination and investigation. 

 A forensic pathologist studies the medical history of a person deceased or injured. He/ She analyses crime scene for evidence and reads reports. Each evidence and injury in the body is considered to reach a conclusion. 

Eligibility to become Forensic Pathologist

Forensic pathologist career required candidates to have some specific academic qualifications which are mentioned below:

• The candidate must opt  Science in Class 12th with the PCB.

• He/ She must hold an MBBS degree from a recognised medical college.

• After MBBS, the candidate can go for MD with specialisation in   Pathology

• B.Sc in Pathology followed by a Master’s degree can also help candidates to pursue a career as a  Forensic Pathologist

Career Path 

After acquiring a relevant degree, the candidate must gain some experience by working as an intern at a morgue, medical examiner or lab assistant. With certain experience, the candidate can apply for job roles as a Forensic Pathologist 

Types of Job Roles Forensic Pathologist

Following are the major job roles of a forensic pathologist:

• Predicts the time of death of a person, determines the instrument or drug that caused the death and conclude the reason of death like suicide, homicide, accident or natural death.

• Reviews the medical history of the person and analyse reports and information collected for medical investigation. 

• Examines internal and internal body parts of a body, collects body samples for testing and performs urine test, blood test, Toxicology testing, X-ray test, DNA test etc.  

• After tests and findings, the Forensic Pathologist writes reports drawing a conclusion. In some cases, a  Forensic Pathologist also visits the court as a witness.

Employment Sector/Industry for Forensic Pathologist

Employment Sector or Industry for Zoologist forensic pathologist

Forensic Pathologist works in government or private health sectors to conduct an autopsy of a person. The organisation or sectors where they can work are as follows

• Hospitals

• Medical Labs

• Clinics

• Healthcare centres 

• Research Centres 

• Medical Institutes 

• Government agencies 

• Crime Department

Top Recruiting Companies/ Agencies/ Organizations

Following are the list of organisations that hire a Forensic Pathologist in India: 

• Central or State Investigation Departments

• Central Forensic Science Laboratory  

• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Pay Scale/Salary of Forensic Pathologist

A forensic pathologist can expect good salary income in India as the job is challenging and requires extraordinary skills and experience.The average pay scale of a forensic pathologist in India is Rs 10 Lacs per Annum 

Books & Study Material to Become Forensic Pathologist

Following are some of the good books related to  Forensic Pathologist:

• Forensic Pathology: Principles and Practice by David Dolinak, Evan Matshes and Emma O. Lew

• Color Atlas of Forensic Medicine and Pathology by Charles A. Catanese Forensic 

• Pathology for Police, Death Investigators, Attorneys, and Forensic Scientists Authors: Prahlow, Joseph A.

• Forensic Pathology Reviews by Tsokos, Michael

• Forensic Pathology by Bernard Knight

Pros of becoming a Forensic Pathologist

Following is the list of pros and cons of a career a Forensic Pathologist

Pros:

• The income of a Forensic Pathologist is high

• There is something new to learn and discover in every case 

• Exciting job role for someone with a good investigating and analytical skills

• Opportunity to work with professionals from different field

Cons of becoming a Forensic Pathologist

• A Lot of study and experience is required to become a successful forensic pathologist

• Working hours is long

• At times there is a lot of pressure and stress 

• There is a time constraint to resolve a case