Intan_Forensic_pathology

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FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST

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CONTENT

No. Content Page

1. Overview 22. Scope of Forensic Pathology 2-3

3. Role of Forensic Pathologist 4-7

4. Branches of Forensic Pathology 8-9

5. Autopsy 9-12

6. Academic Requirements 12-13

7. Criteria for Credentialing on National

Specialist Register of Malaysia

13-15

8. Personality Characteristics required to

be Forensic Pathologist

16

9. Job Description and Salary details 16-17

10. Working conditions 18

11. Advantages and Disadvantages of being

Forensic Pathologist

18

12. References 19


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OVERVIEW

Forensic pathologists, or medical examiners, are specially trained physicians who examine thebodies of people who died suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently. The forensic pathologist is

responsible for determining the cause (the ultimate and immediate reasons for the cessation oflife) and manner of death (homicide, suicide, accidental, natural, or unknown).

To determine the identity of the victim and the time, manner and cause of death, the forensicpathologist:

y studies the medical history,

y evaluates crime scene evidence including witness statements,

y performs an autopsy to uncover evidence of injury or disease, and

y collects medical and trace evidence from the body for further analysis.

In addition to anatomy, the forensic pathologist may draw upon specialized knowledge andtraining in:

y toxicology

y firearms/ballistics

y trace evidence

y serology (blood analysis), and

y DNA technology.

A forensic pathologist may be appointed as a Medical Examiner by a legal jurisdiction such as a

city, county or state.

Clinical forensic pathologists examine living patients, usually in cases where sexual assault orabuse is suspected.

Once all the evidence is analyzed, the forensic pathologist prepares a written report, and may

also testify to these findings in court.( http://explorehealthcareers.org)

SCOPE OF FORENSIC PATHOLOGY

Forensic pathology is an application of medical jurisprudence. The forensic pathologist:

y

Is a medical doctor who has completed training in anatomical pathology and who hassubsequently sub-specialized in forensic pathology. The requirements for becoming a

'fully qualified' forensic pathologist varies from country to country. Some of the

different requirements are discussed below.

y Performs autopsies/post mortem examinations to determine the cause of death. The

autopsy report contains an opinion about :


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y The pathologic process, injury, or disease that directly results in or initiates a series of

events which lead to a person's death (also called mechanism of death), such as

a bullet wound to the head, exsanguination caused by a stab wound, manual orligature strangulation, myocardial infarction resulting from coronary artery disease,

The 'manner of death', the circumstances surrounding the cause of death, which in most

jurisdictions include:

Homicide

Accidental

Natural

Suicide

Undetermined

The autopsy also provides an opportunity for other issues raised by the death to be addressed,

such as the collection of trace evidence or determining the identity of the deceased.Examines

and documents wounds and injuries, both at autopsy and occasionally in a clinical

setting.Collects and examines tissue specimens under the microscope (histology) in order to

identify the presence or absence of natural disease and other microscopic findings such as

asbestos bodies in the lungs or gunpowder particles around a gunshot wound.Collects and

interprets toxicological analyses on body tissues and fluids to determine the chemical cause

of accidental overdoses or deliberate poisonings.Forensic pathologists also work closely with

the medico-legal authority for the area concerned with the investigation of sudden and

unexpected deaths i.e. the coroner or medical examiner.Serves as an expert witness in courts

of law testifying in civil or criminal law cases.In an autopsy, he/she is often assisted by an

autopsy/mortuary technician.Forensic physicians, sometimes referred to as 'forensic medical

examiners' or 'police surgeons', are medical doctors trained in the examination of, and

provision of medical treatment to, living victims of assault (including sexual assault) and

those individuals who find themselves in police custody. Many forensic physicians in the UK

practise clinical forensic medicine part-time, whilst they also practise family medicine, or

another medical specialty. (http://en.wikipedia.org)


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ROLE OF A FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST

Forensic pathologists

Forensic pathologists are independent practitioners who provide unbiased medico-legal opinionsfor police, lawyers and the courts. In England and Wales, forensic pathologists providing

services to police forces are registered by the National Policing and Improvement Agency (NPIAwww.npia.police.uk/) and used to be known as Home Office Pathologists. The current

designation is now A member of the Home Secretarys Register of Forensic Pathologists.

Summary of service

Forensic pathologists perform medico-legal post mortem examinations on behalf of Coroners (in

England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and Procurators Fiscal (in Scotland). They also provide aservice to police authorities in cases of suspicious death. They frequently attend scenes of

suspicious death and assist in the collection of forensic evidence at such scenes. They provideinterpretation of their pathological findings to Coroners, Procurators Fiscal, the police and thecriminal (and sometimes civil) justice system. Statements for court and presentation of evidence

in court are frequently required in such cases.

Status

Many forensic pathologists are self-employed but some are employed, full or part time in the

NHS orUniversity settings. Their services to Coroners, Procurators Fiscal and police authorities

are usually arranged by contracts for the pathological investigation of suspicious deaths within aspecific geographical area.Many forensic pathologists also provide post mortem services to Coroners and Procurators Fiscal

for non-suspicious sudden deaths and a small number additionally provide post mortem servicesto the NHS for cases in which the cause of death is known, but where there is clinical interest in

the pathological effects of a disease or treatment regime in that case, often referred to asconsent or hospital post mortem examinations.

Groups

All forensic pathologists registered with the Home Secretary must work within group practices

comprising at least three forensic pathologists who jointly provide post mortem services within adefined geographical region. Group practices provide a forensic post mortem service 24 hours aday and 365 day a year for their region. Most group practices utilise a specific mortuary, many of

which have been recently upgraded, and which will have the facilities necessary for conducting amodern forensic post mortem. In some regions pathologists still perform post mortem

investigations in a wide variety of local authority mortuaries (public mortuaries) and in hospitalmortuaries. The hours worked, and the number of cases seen within those hours, varies


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throughout the country and from day to day however the latest protocol agreed with the HomeOffice limits the working period to 120 hours in any 14 day period.

Training and Higher Qu

alificationsForensic pathologists are medically qualified doctors, registered by the General Medical Council

(GMC) with a licence to practise medicine, who undertake post-graduate training inhistopathology the study of the effects of disease on the body and who then undertake sub-

specialty training in forensic pathology.

Following completion of the 2 year Foundation programme that all newly qualified doctors in the

UK follow, application is made to join the Histopathology training scheme. Entry into thisscheme, and subsequent training, is now organised nationally by the Modernising Medical

Careers Programme Team (mmc.nhs.uk) and the London Deanery (londondeanery.ac.uk). Thetraining is delivered at regional training schools. On entry to a histopathology training

programme progression is determined by the successful completion of the Royal College of

Pathologists (RCPath) examinations (rcpath.org). Following successful attainment of the Part 1College examination - after a minimum of 2 years but typically after 3 years of histopathologytraining - the aspiring forensic pathologist may apply to enter sub-specialty training in forensic

pathology directly or to complete their histopathology training and then further specialise inForensic Pathology. Whichever route is taken this final component of the College training

scheme usually takes a further 2 years and the candidate then sits the Part 2 examination,qualifying as MRCPath.

If the pure histopathology route is taken a further two year period of training is necessary after

FRCPath to achieve a qualification in Forensic Pathology, this qualification may be either theDiploma in Forensic Pathology of the Royal College ofPathologists or the Diploma of Medical

Jurisprudence of the Society ofApothecaries. Finally, whichever route is taken,

an application must be made to join The Register held by the Home Secretary.

Changes in RCPath accreditation of forensic pathologists training have recently been proposed

and the precise nature of future training requirements for the subject may be altered.

Training in histopathology provides the forensic pathologist with the necessary skills to identifypathological abnormalities both at naked eye examination and under the microscope and to

perform post mortem examinations. The sub-specialty training in forensic pathology provides thenecessary skills to identify and interpret pathological signs of injury, to determine the cause of

death and to manage and investigate the pathological aspects of a crime scene. Training in theforensic aspects of neuropathology and paediatric pathology is an essential component of the

forensic pathology training programme.

Associations and Societies

The RCPath aims to set standards, promote research and develop programmes of continuing

professional development for all pathologists, including forensic pathologists. In addition theBritish Association in Forensic Pathology (bafm.org) organises educational meetings for, and

represents the professional interests of, forensic pathologists.


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The Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine, established by the Royal College ofPhysiciansprovides a similar role for all forensic medical practitioners, including forensic pathologists, and

several other societies and associations support the interface between medicine and the law (theClinical Forensic and Legal Medicine Section of the Royal Society of Medicine, the various

Medico-Legal Societies around the country, the British Association of Forensic Sciences, the

Forensic Science Society and the Forensic Medicine Committee of the British MedicalAssociation, etc).

Facilities

Forensic pathologists utilise modern mortuary and laboratory facilities, which must be licensed

by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA), to perform their post mortems and microscopicexaminations. Such facilities increasingly incorporate operating microscopy facilities and

equipment designed to facilitate the collection of trace evidence from bodies, such asalternative light source generators. Fluoroscopy and even CT scanning may be available in the

mortuary suite

Forensic pathologists also examine bodies at the scene of suspicious deaths and work with crimescene investigators to ensure that evidence of forensic interest is collected appropriately from,and around, the body without compromising the integrity of such potential evidence.

An independent means of transport is an essential requirement as are facilities for easy and rapid

contact (mobile telephone etc). Post mortem reports and statements are typed and are subject tointernal group practice audit, and, in the future, national audit.

Secure storage facilities for medical records, witness statements and police reports, scene and

post mortem photographs and exhibits such as weapons seized at crime scenes etc must be

available.

Specific functions

Examination of bodies at scenes of suspicious deaths:

When a forensic pathologist is requested by police authorities to attend the scene of a suspicious

death, he is briefed as to the circumstances of the case by the Senior Investigating Officer(SIO), or his representative. A strategy for approaching the body, the collection of trace evidence

from, and around, the body and ultimately the recovery of the body from the scene, is agreedwith crime scene investigators, forensic scientists and the SIO. The forensic pathologist

examines the body, noting its disposition, the surroundings in which the body lies and thepresence of injuries that can be seen without disturbing the body or the scene. Many pathologists

supervise recovery of the body by crime scene investigators and funeral directors.

Post mortem examinations:

Careful examination of the body requires modern mortuary facilities and involves team-working

with forensic scientists, crime scene investigators and photographers. Each examination isdirected towards answering the general and specific questions that are likely to arise in the

context of that individual case. The forensic pathologists are often assisted in their interpretation


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of the pathological findings when they have either been to, or have viewed videos or photographsof, the scene at which the body was discovered. The external examination of the body is of

immense significance in a suspicious death post mortem examination and may itself take severalhours if there are multiple injuries. Each stage of the examination is documented, both by notes

taken by the pathologist and by photographs. All significant findings, both positive and negative,

are recorded. Every organ and body cavity is examined in detail and samples are taken of organsand injuries for microscopy and samples of body fluids are retained for toxicology.

Forensic pathologists interpret their pathological findings in light of the known circumstances of

the case, the scene findings and the results of additional investigations by others, (eg toxicology,entomology and the results of forensic scientific examination of weapons and clothing).

Interpretation of wounds and injuries in cases of assault:

From time to time forensic pathologists may be asked to provide their opinion on the nature ofwounds and injuries on living individuals utilising their skills in the interpretation of wound and

injury causation. Such opinion may be provided to the lawyers acting for the defendant as well as

the Police or Crown Prosecution Service.

Provision of second post mortem examinations for defence solicitors, families, etc:

Forensic pathologists may be requested to perform a second post mortem examination on a bodyby the lawyers acting for the defendant or by the Coroner when no-one has been charged with an

offence. This service may occasionally be performed on behalf of the family of the deceased.The decision to request an additional examination allows the pathological facts of the case for

example the number, size, site and type of injuries to be agreed which will facilitate the releaseand disposal of the body by the family. The interpretation of pathological findings at such

examinations may be difficult and requires the pathologist to consider their own findings in thelight of those findings documented by the first pathologist at the original post mortem

examination. This is a highly skilled part of forensic pathology practice.

Provision of expert evidence to the criminal justice system:

Forensic pathologists provide reports of their findings in a manner suitable for use by the

criminal justice system. This requires careful use of language so that the pathological findingsare presented in such a way as to be easily understandable to a lay audience, without

compromising the precision of the meaning of those findings. The forensic pathologist provideshis opinion on the post mortem findings and attempts to address the questions that may be raised

by the death; these may include the manner in which injuries were inflicted, when they wereinflicted and the cause of death. In a proportion of cases, the forensic pathologist will attend

court which may be the Coroners Court or the Crown Court, to give oral evidence regarding hisfindings at post mortem examination. (http://fflm.ac.uk/Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine)


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BRANCHES OF FORENSIC PATHOLOGY

The two main branches of forensic pathology are as follows:

Anatomical Pathology

y Anatomical Pathology is the branch of pathology that deals with the tissue diagnosis ofdisease. For this, Anatomical Pathologists need a broad-based knowledge andunderstanding of the pathological and clinical aspects of many diseases.

y The tissue on which the diagnosis is made may be biopsy material taken from a patient inthe operating theatre, on the ward or from an autopsy (post-mortem). The latter is a smallbut important component of the work for establishing the cause in cases of sudden or

unexpected death, for examining disease progression, including the response to treatmentor lack of a response, and in criminal cases (forensic pathology) helping police in their

investigations. The work of most Anatomical Pathologists is, however, on tissue fromliving patients. A large part of this is the detection and diagnosis of cancer. A tissue

diagnosis is essential before starting treatment involving major surgery, radiation ordrugs, treatments which may have major side effects.

y Modern Anatomical Pathologists examine not only samples of solid tissue, but also smallspecimens of separated cells. This is the subspecialty of Cytology. The specimens includefluids and tissue smears mainly for diagnosis and prevention of cancer. The pathologist

collects some of these samples themselves, for example, for the diagnosis of cancer of thebreast or the prostate. Often this means that a certain diagnosis can be made before the

patient has left the clinic. New methods also allow samples of either separated cells orsmall tissue fragments to be obtained from organs, such as the pancreas, situated deep

within body cavities. . (http://www.rcpa.edu.au)

y This branch of pathology deals with the evaluation of tissues that is obtained from livingor dead people with the help of the microscope. The main subcategories of anatomic

pathology are autopsy, surgical and cytopathology. The surgical pathologist examinestissues and organs with the aim of making a diagnosis for any disease. An autopsy

pathologist task is to perform autopsies on dead bodies and determine the cause of thedeath usually in the cases where the death of the individual cannot be explained. The role

of a cytologist is to examine cells of the body under the microscope and help diagnosevarious benign and malignant conditions. (http://www.buzzle.com)

Clinical Pathology

y A clinical Pathologist is familiar with the major aspects of the clinical branches of

laboratory medicine.He or she is usually trained in chemical


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pathology,microbiology,haemotology and blood banking,though not in as much detail as

subspecialists in each field.

y

There role is similar to a GeneralP

athologist but unlike GeneralP

athologist they do notdo Anatomical Pathology.A clinical pathologist would usually work in mediun sized

private practice,community hospital or large community town or other non-metropolitan

centre.

y For problems demanding specific expertisethey would consult with more specialized

colleagues. Some,however, also work as part of the team in large metropolitan public or

private practices particularly in managing common high volume test from more than one

discipline. (http://www.rcpa.edu.au)

y This branch of pathology involves the evaluation of body fluids with the help of the

laboratory. The main subcategories of clinical pathology are hematology, microbiology,

chemistry, hematology and immunology. Among the forensic pathologists the brancheschemistry and toxicology are most popular.(http://www.buzzle.com)

AUTOPSY

An autopsy (also known as a post-mortem examination or obduction) is the examination of the

body of a dead person and is performed primarily to determine the cause of death, to identify or

characterize the extent of disease states that the person may have had, or to determine whether a

particular medical or surgical treatment has been effective. In academic institutions, autopsies

sometimes are also requested for teaching and research purposes.Forensic autopsies are autopsies

with legal implications and are performed to determine if death was accident, homicide, suicide,

or a natural event. The word autopsy is derived from the Greek word autopsia: "to see with one's

own eyes. Autopsies are performed by pathologists; medical doctors who have received specialty

training in the diagnosis of diseases by the examination of body fluids and tissues.

Who determines whether an autopsy is performed?

A physician cannot order an autopsy on a patient without the consent of the next-of-kin. Amedical examiner can order an autopsy without the consent of the next-of-kin. Deaths that are

investigated by the medical examiner or coroner include all suspicious deaths, and, dependingupon the jurisdiction, may include deaths of persons not being treated by a physician for a known

medical condition, deaths of those who have been under medical care for less than 24 hours, ordeaths that occurred during operations or other medical procedures.

In all other cases, consent must be obtained from the next-of-kin before an autopsy is performed,even at academic institutions or hospitals. The next-of-kin also has the right to limit the scope of


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the autopsy (for example, excluding the brain from evaluation or limiting the procedure to

examination of the abdomen) if he/she wishes.

How is an autopsy performed?

The extent of an autopsy can vary from the examination of a single organ such as theheart orbrain, to a very extensive examination. Examination of the chest, abdomen, and brain is probably

considered by most pathologists as the standard autopsy, and one technique is briefly describedbelow.

The autopsy begins with a complete external examination. The weight and height of the body arerecorded, and identifying marks such as scars and tattoos also are recorded.

The internal examination begins with the creation of a Y orU- shaped incision from both

shoulders joining over the sternumand continuing down to the pubic bone. The skin and

underlying tissues are then separated to expose the rib cage andabdominal cavity. The front ofthe rib cage is removed to expose the neck and chest organs. This opening allowsthe trachea (windpipe), thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, esophagus, heart, thoracic

aorta and lungs to be removed. Following removal of the neck and chest organs,the abdominal organs are cut (dissected) free. These include the

intestines, liver, gallbladder and bile duct system, pancreas,spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys,ureters, urinary bladder, abdominal aorta, and reproductive organs.

To remove the brain, an incision is made in the back of the skull from one ear to the other. Thescalp is cut and separated from the underlying skull and pulled forward. The top of the skull is

removed using a vibrating saw. The entire brain is then gently lifted out of the cranial vault.The spinal cord may also be taken by removing theanterior or posterior portion of the spinal

column.

The organs are first examined by the pathologist to note any changes visible with the naked eye.

Examples of diseases that may produce changes readily recognizable in the organsinclude atherosclerosis, cirrhosis of the liver , andcoronary artery disease in the heart.

After the organs are removed from the body, they usually are separated from each other andfurther dissected to reveal any abnormalities, such as tumors, on the inside. Small samples are

typically taken from all organs to be made into slide preparations for examination undera microscope. At the end of an autopsy, the incisions made in the body are sewn closed. The

organs may be returned to the body or may be retained for teaching, research, and diagnosticpurposes. Performance of an autopsy does not interfere with an open casket funeral service, as

none of the incisions made in order to accomplish the autopsy are apparent after embalming anddressing of the body by the mortician.

Pathologist factors: Some doctors express dissatisfaction with the quality of an autopsy if the

pathologist does not provide answers regarding the case. Unfortunately, an autopsy does notguarantee that the cause of death, for example a heart arrhythmia, will be identified.

Autopsy pathology is a vanishing subspecialty, which, for the most part, has been relegated to asecondary position. At the turn of the century, most of the pathologist's activities revolved


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around the autopsy. Since that time, laboratory medicine and surgical pathology (examining

tissue biopsies from living patients) have become the major activities of practicing pathologists.

In addition, the autopsy is not one of the favorite activities among the majority of pathologists.For many pathologists, an autopsy is an extra burden with no compensation during a busy

day.(http://www.medicinenet.com/autopsy/page3.htm)

Autopsy Pathology

The autopsy is a medical procedure carried out by pathologists to learn more for the benefit of

future patients and for the benefit of family members and other loved ones.

The information obtained from an autopsy can help family members and friends better

understand the entire disease process leading up to death and can be of great value in lesseningthe pain and the duration of the grieving period. Although modern medical technology usually

establishes the principal diagnosis before death, there are many processes that may have

contributed to a patient's illness that can only be discovered at autopsy. The physicians who

cared for the dying patient learn much about the illness itself and about the effectiveness of

treatments, but there are often unsuspected findings that can be of great value.

The autopsy room at Cedars-Sinai bears the Latin inscription hic locus est ubi mors gaudet

succerere - this is the place where death succeeds in giving to the living. Originally adorning the

walls in the great anatomic amphitheater at the University of Bologna five centuries ago, thisquotation exemplifies the purpose of the autopsy.

The pathologist performing the autopsy is a medical doctor specially trained to recognize the

anatomic and biochemical changes brought about by disease. The autopsy is an orderly,

comprehensive examination performed in a special room not unlike a surgical operating room,

usually taking from two to four hours. The autopsy does not in any way affect funeral

arrangements. Reports of findings are promptly submitted to the treating physicians.

An elderly man had a cancer that had been unequivocally diagnosed before death, but in spite of

receiving the best of care, the patient died of his disease. At autopsy he was found to have, in

addition to the cancer, an inherited but easily treated metabolic disease. His family was

counseled, and studies were carried out to determine if any of the surviving members had the

same disease. In other instances, autopsy findings have led to changes in the way in which some

treatments are administered, with almost immediate benefit for other patients.


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An informational booklet, When you are asked for permission for the performance of an

autopsy... can be obtained by patients and family members from the nursing staff. This three-

page pamphlet provides additional valuable information about the autopsy and its many

advantages and explains the general procedure.

The autopsy is performed with care for the deceased, with an air of dignity and with complete

respect for the survivors' wishes. After the performance of the autopsy selected tissues are

studied with the microscope, often utilizing highly sophisticated techniques in order to develop

as precise an evaluation of the findings as possible.

The autopsy is an indispensable component of the medical care of the patient who has died.

There is no better way to evaluate the nature of a fatal illness or the effectiveness of procedures

and treatments. Because of its great importance, there is no charge for the performance of an

autopsy on a patient who has been cared for at Cedars-Sinai, despite the fact that it is a relativelyexpensive procedure to carry out. In many ways the autopsy is a way for the patient who has died

to continue to contribute to society.( http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/)

ACADEMICREQUIREMENTS

y High school diploma

y 4 years of college, earning a bachelors degree in any major while completing courserequirements for medical school

y 4 years of medical school, earning an M.D. orD.O. degreey 4-5 years of training in anatomic, clinical and/or forensic pathology,

y 1 year of residency or fellowship in forensic pathologyy Board certification after passing the exam

Preparation Timeline

What does it take to become a forensic pathologist?

y Long, hard work. It takes a minimum of 13 years of education and training afterhigh

school to become a forensic pathologist.y Strength in all areas of science. Forensic pathology draws on biology, physics,

chemistry, even psychology and anthropology.y Very good communication skills.Half the job of being a forensic pathologist is writing

reports and giving testimony.y Intestinal fortitude. Forensic pathology is probably the most gruesome, smelly,

disgusting job in medicine.y Confidence in your skills. Forensic pathologists must defend their conclusions in the

face of opposition from lawyers, the media and even the victims families.


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In high school

y Take advanced math, science and English courses

y Develop strong writing skillsy Practice public speaking in class and by joining the debate team

In college

y You can choose any undergraduate major, including a humanities degree, but you must

take all the science and math courses required to get into medical schooly If you choose to major in forensic science, be sure the program is accredited and includes

at least 24 semester hours of chemistry or biology and math, as well as all theprerequisites for medical school

y Seek out experiences that expose you to different cultures and perspectivesy Consider learning a foreign language

In medical school

y Focus on patient care

y

Do an autopsy pathology rotation as an elective to make sure this is the right specialty foryou

y Explore opportunities to work or do a rotation at the local medical examiners office

(http://explorehealthcareers.org/)

CRITERIA FORCREDENTIALING ON NATIONAL

SPECIALIST REGISTER OF MALAYSIA.

Qualifications

y Possess a basic medical degree recognised by the Malaysian Medical Councily Is fully registered as a medical practitioner with the Malaysian Medical Council and

possesses a current annual practicing certificate from the Malaysian Medical Council

y Holds a postgraduate degree in Forensic Pathology recognized by the Government ofMalaysia

Member/Fellow of the Royal College ofPathologists, UK(MRCPath Forensic),(FRCPath Forensic)

Fellow of the Royal College ofPathologists ofAustralasia(FRCPA Forensic)

Master ofPathology (Forensic), Universiti Malaya Master ofPathology (Forensic), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Master of Science (Medical Science), Glasgow Diploma in Medical Jurisprudence (Path), Society ofApothecaries,

London

o Any other equivalent Forensic Pathology postgraduate degree recognisedby the Forensic Pathology Specialty Committee. In such cases,consideration will be on a case by case basis. The following will be

considered in the deliberations:


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The training programme should ensure that the following procedures have beenundertaken and assessed during the training period.

Procedure Number to be undertaken

Forensic autopsies and reporting 400

Forensic histopathology reporting 400Forensic frozen section reporting 30

Consultancy report writing to lawyer orenforcement agency

10

Work Experience

y At least 6 (SIX) months of working experience under supervision in an accreditedForensic Pathology Center after acquisition of the postgraduate professional qualification

y The above clause should be evidenced by a supervisor (s) report (s) indicating

satisfactory completion of the supervised working experience.

Designations

y A Forensic Pathologist is a Pathologist who practices Forensic Pathology and iscompetent tocarry out ForensicAutopsies; Clinical Forensic Examinations, Forensic

Pathology laboratoryanalysis, interpretation and conclusion; crime scene investigation inrelation to finding thecause of death; and giving evidence in court as an expert witness.

Exemptions

y A senior Forensic Pathologist practicing in Malaysia for at least 5 (FIVE) years andrecognized by his/her peers can be credentialed as a Forensic Pathologist without the

need for submission of details of training (Clause 2) and a supervisors report if he/shefulfils one of the following criteria:

y Has been gazetted as a Forensic Pathologist by the Ministry ofHealth and currentpractices as a Forensic Pathologist in Malaysia

y Is currently registered as a Forensic Pathologist under the Specialist Register ofthe Academy of Medicine of Malaysia and currently practices as a ForensicPathologist inMalaysia

y Is currently appointed as an academic staff of a local university andcurrently practices as a Forensic Pathologist in Malaysia

y Notwithstanding any of the above, the Forensic Pathologist SpecialtyCommittee reserves the right to assess applications which do not conform

and on a case-by-case basis for recommendation to the National CredentialingCommittee for approval.

Professional Good Standing

y The onus lies with the applicant to declare to the Forensic Pathology SpecialtyCommittee any instance (s) of loss of professional good standing.


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PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED TO BE


y A talent for and interest in science. This should include not only biology, but physics,

chemistry, and the social sciences (anthropology and psychology). For the bread-and-

butter technical part of your work, you should especially have a good grasp of spatialrelationships.

y Good communication skills. You will not only be interacting with law officers, butyou'll be trying to convince judges and juries that your findings are valid.

y Strong stomach. You'll be routinely dealing with dismembered and/or rotting bodies.From a pure visceral standpoint there is no job more disgusting than forensic pathology.

y Thick skin. You willbe periodically raked over the coals by the local media, whoapparently cannot to resist the urge to armchair-quarterback your work. You will also

make many enemies among the citizenry. For instance, when you determine that Daddykilled himself, and he wasn'tpoisoned by that blond bimbo who was only interested in

his money, you are going to have some very angry children buzzing around you.y The mind of a detective. You will have to constantly be on guard against being fooled

by malefactors smarter and more focused than you. You will have to have some insightinto the heart and mind of a criminal.(http:/www.web2.airmail.net)

y a methodical, widely read mind. Someone known for their patience,as despite TVepisodes to the contrary. It is often slow,painstaking work.

y Good communication skills.You will be required to interface with a cross section ofprofessionals and the public,including government,lawyers,police and next of kin.

y A strong stomach! You will routinely be dealing with severely injured,dismembered oreven rotting bodies.

y The media may become intrusive regarding findings. Sometimes there are may beunhappy family members who have difficulty accepting findings. You will need to have a

thick skin to avoid over reaction.y You require the mind of a detective,to be on guard against being fooled and to develop

insight into the heart and mind of a criminal. (http://www.rcpa.edu.au)

JOB DESCRIPTION AND SALARY DETAILS

The main challenge before this type of psychologists is to understand the behavior patterns of the

criminals. It is only after understanding the behavior that the forensic psychologists can think of

finding ways to improve the condition of the criminals. The work of the forensic psychologists

involves doing a lot of research work and investigation. The forensic psychologists also carry outthe important tasks of analyzing the risk which is associated with the criminals committing

another crime and also alerting the prison in charge and staff of any suspicious events. They are

also known to give proper advice and suggestions to the mental health tribunals. The forensic

psychologists also prepare report based on their observations and submit them to the concerned

authorities. The various ways of intervention are prepared by the forensic psychologists by

making full use of their knowledge and practical work experience.


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Now, after having understood the job description of a forensic psychologist, let us now know

about the forensic psychologist salary. As per several job market surveys, the average salary for

forensic psychologists is around USD 52,000 per year. However, along with the average salary

of forensic psychologist, we should also be aware of incomes of the highest paid and the lowest

paid forensic psychologists. The forensic psychologists who are among the low earning group

make around USD 35,000 per year. The highest paid lot of forensic psychologists is known to

earn more than USD 110,000 per year. The median salary for a forensic psychologist is around

USD 60,000 per year. The forensic psychology salary depends largely on the educational

qualifications, acquired skills and the number of years of experience in the industry. As in the

case of other professions, those with master's and doctorate degrees and having more experience,

earn more in this profession.

The median forensic psychology salary for freshers with less than two years of experience is

around USD 52,000 per year. The forensic psychologists who have an experience ranging

between five to eight years can easily earn anything in betweenU

SD

55,000 toU

SD

65,000 peryear. The median salary for the forensic psychologists with more than fifteen years of practical

experience is more than USD 70,000 per year. As a forensic psychologist, you can also get high

paying and prestigious jobs as a teacher in reputed universities. The forensic psychologist salary

is high for those working in large hospital chains or have their private practice. You can read

more on:

y Psychology Careers and Salariesy Psychologist Salary Range

y Branches ofPsychology

From the forensic psychology salary and job description, we conclude that this is an interesting

field to make a career for ambitious candidates. However, the candidates keen to enter this field

should be ready to put in a lot of efforts and work for long hours.

(http://www.buzzle.com/)


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WORKING CONDITIONS

Investigation into cause of death. They ensure that procedures regarding evidence collection arefollowed, and coordinate their work with law enforcement operations.Some work full-time for

the city, county, or federal government, while others work in hospitals, medical schools or with aprivate or group practice that contracts autopsy services to government agencies. A typical

workday can last 10-12 hours or longer, particularly if the forensic pathologist must examine adistant death site. Forensic pathologists spend most of their time in the lab, performing autopsies

or examining tissue samples under the microscope. This can involve standing for extendedperiods and working with small tools.The rest of the workday is divided between writing official

reports and making court appearances.The physical demands are not great, but over time, theforensic pathologist may become emotionally affected by continual exposure to graphic violence.

.( http://explorehealthcareers.org)

Advantages and Disadvantages ofbeing Forensic Pathologist

Advantages:

o The hours are better than for most other physicians, but this is not a nine-to-five officejob by any means. Don't even think about going to med school if you are a clock-watcher.

o You have the satisfaction of not only helping to put criminals away, but of comfortinggrieving families, thus, "It was over very quickly. She did not suffer."

o The job is very challenging, and boredom will not be a problem.

o The speciality is very challenging, with a problemsolving slant.o The hours are better then in many other specialities,but it is not a nine-to-five job.o You will have the satisfaction of helping with the criminal matters and being comfort to

grieving families.

Disadvantages:

o Some are mentioned above. The pay is not all that great in comparison with that ofphysicians with similar years of training. Eventually you may become heavily burdened

by the continual exposure to the all-too-graphic evidence of man's inhumanity to man.o At times you may become burdened by the continual exposure to the graphic evidenceof

mans inhumanity to man. The key is balance,you need to maintain regular hobbies andinterest in your life. .(http:/www.web2.airmail.net)

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