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Forensic PathologyWhat is Forensic Pathology?
Pathology is a medical specialty concerned with the study of disease. The main way pathologists study disease is by conducting an autopsy i.e. a comprehensive surgical examination of the deceased. By definition, therefore, forensic pathology primarily relates to the study of disease within a legal context. What Does A Forensic pathologist Do? The roles and responsibilities of the forensic pathologist include: Medical/Legal Authorities In respect of enquiries into suspicious, sudden or unexpected deaths, forensic pathologists will often work in conjunction with the appointed medical/legal representative of the area in which the investigation is taking place. In England and Wales this will be the Coroner, in Scotland the Procurator Fiscal and in the United States, the Coroner or the Medical examiner. Emerging Role The American Academy of Forensic Sciences notes that examining patterns of injury in the living, as well as the deceased is emerging as another very important role for the forensic pathologist. Referred to as clinical forensic pathology this role is particularly relevant in child and elder abuse cases. Essential Forensic Pathology ReadingForensic Pathology: Principles and Practice by D. Dolinak, E. Matshes & E. O. Lew
Book Description Forensic Pathology: Principles and Practice is an extensively illustrated reference book that contains more than 1800 color photographs accompanied by well-considered text that thoroughly explains representative topics, and also provides abundant, up-to-date references for further reading. This well-written volume uses a case-oriented format to address, explain and guide the reader through the varied topics encountered by forensic pathologists. It will benefit not only the experienced forensic pathologist, but also the hospital pathologist who occasionally performs medicolegal autopsies. Doctors in training and those law enforcement officials investigating the broad spectrum of sudden, unexpected and violent deaths that may fall within the jurisdiction of medicolegal death investigators will also find this an invaluable resource. Includes: Large, colorful photographs which beautifully illustrate the concepts outlined in the text. Sample descriptions of pathological lesions which serve to aid pathologists in reporting their findings to law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and others involved in investigations of sudden death. Do and Don't' sections at the end of each chapter which provide guidance for handling the types of cases examined within preceding sections. See following link for more details: Forensic Pathology: Principles and Practice Quality Forensic Pathology LinksForensic Medicine For Medical Students
Very useful and comprehensive website put together over several years by Dr Richard Jones. Contains many quality links and resources relating to clinical forensic medicine, legal medicine and forensic pathology. Please note Dr Jones warning that although the website is designed to provide educational materials for medical students (and others) some people may find the content distressing. The website is not suitable for viewing by minors. Click Here To Visit The Website Forensic Medicine Resources Blog:
Also by Dr Richard Jones, this recently launched blog showcases forensic medicine and pathology resources. Dr Jones encourages visitors to comment upon the resources and share their own sites or items of interest. The inclusion of evidence based resources are particularly encouraged. Click Here To Read The Forensic Medicine Resources Blog Visible Proofs: Forensic Views of The Body:
Visible Proofs: Forensic Views of The Body is a fascinating exhibition about the history of forensic medicine. As the exhibition description notes - over the centuries, physicians, surgeons, and other professionals have struggled to develop scientific methods that translate views of bodies and body parts into "visible proofs" that can persuade judges, juries, and the public. In the galleries you can explore significant cases, technologies, and people that have had an impact on the history of forensic medicine. Visible Proofs: Forensic Views of the Body is located on the first floor of the National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. The exhibition is open to the public during the Library's main reading room hours from February 16, 2006 through February 16, 2008. The admission is free and a docent-led tour is available upon request. Whether you go to the exhibition or not, make sure you visit the offical website. Here you will find excellent online activities designed to help you learn more about various forensic developments, techniques, and careers! One such activity presents two medical examiners' perspectives on their work, first-hand experience in medico-legal autopsies, and something called Virtopsy. Here you can explore the world of a medical examiner and consider a forensic pathology career for yourself! This amazing site also gives you access to additional resources. These include radio interviews featuring forensic topics and web links to further online forensic activites and forensic career information. Click Here To Visit The Visible Proofs Website HBO Autoposy:
Website relating to the HBO autopsy documentary series, featuring former New York Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Michael Baden. Among the many great features are an interactive autopsy where you can see what an actual forensic autopsy entails through exclusive video, autopsy stills and 3D animation. Click Here To Visit The HBO Autoposy Website UCTV Health Matters: Pathology:
University of Califonia Television webcast examining aspects of the pathologists role. Click Here To Watch The Webcast Go From Forensic Pathology Back To The Home Page
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