Source: The BMJ
What is Forensic Pathology?
Forensic pathology is a type of science that utilizes pathology in order to correctly and accurately perform autopsies. In simpler terms, a forensic pathologist will use whatever means are available to examine a corpse and identify the cause of death and other important factors such as what weapon was used, if any, and the time of death. Forensic pathologists specifically study the victim’s medical history, evaluate the crime scene evidence, perform autopsies, and collect medical evidence from the body for further analysis to understand the manner of death. Forensic pathologists not only deal with corpses and autopsies but domestic violence and sexual abuse cases as well.
A forensic pathologist is called to a crime scene and identifies any visible effects of the death and trauma on the body. Then the body is taken back to the laboratory in order to run a full check up. The forensic pathologist in charge will take the history of the dead person through family members or past medical records in order to identify any diseases or medical conditions that could lead to or contribute to the death of the person. Then, the scientists will analyze the body for cuts, scrapes, dents, and other malformations to the typical structure of the body to help recognize the cause of death and if there was a struggle and/or violence involved. Forensic pathologists then continue to use different methods such as x-rays and microscope tests in order to get a more detailed understanding, then the body is put in the morgue to preserve it for future investigation or to be picked up by the family.
What Skills are Needed to be a Forensic Pathologist?
A forensic pathologist must be proficient in science and technology in order to use all the mechanical equipment and scientific processes necessary to efficiently determine the cause of death. They must also be detail-oriented and have incredible communication skills in order to create sufficient research reports and papers to help cite their evidence as well as communicate their findings to the head police officer and detectives. It is also very important that forensic pathologists and all forensic scientists in general have analytical skills since they are partially detectives and must use intuition to form hypotheses about the crime and later use evidence to develop a righteous claim. This skill set allows forensic pathologists to be successful at their job.
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