Forensic Pathology Fellowship

Forensic Pathology Fellowship

The Forensic Pathology Fellowship is a one-year program based at the King County Medical Examiner’s Office on the campus of Harborview Medical Center, a major training facility for University of Washington Medical Center. The major clinical activity is the performance of forensic autopsies and medicolegal examinations.  The fellow is expected to accompany medicolegal death investigators in scene investigations involving suspicious deaths and homicides. 

During the fellowship year the fellow performs at least 200 complete forensic autopsies, which include external examination, photography, radiography, anatomic dissection, microscopic examination, and interpretation of toxicology analysis.  During the year the fellow has the opportunity to present at in-house education conferences, attend courtroom trials, conduct literature reviews based on his o her own cases, and conduct a research project using case materials from the King County Medical Examiner’s office. 2 positions/year

Program Aims

• To educate and train a pathologist to become Board Certified in Forensic Pathology with the capabilities to adapt to any professional environment. 
• To educate a forensic pathologist who interacts effectively with the criminal justice system and is able to testify in criminal court as an expert witness.
• To develop competencies in the promotion of equity and social justice within the field of Forensic Pathology and promote the importance of Public Health in Forensic Pathology
• To promote the science and profession of Forensic Pathology through the development of competencies in forensic identification including biological profiles and trauma analysis in the field of Forensic Anthropology

Stipend & Benefits

Appointment is for one year.  Salary and benefits are determined by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Board Certification in Forensic Pathology

The Forensic Pathology fellowship is an ACGME-accredited program that prepares trainees for board certification through the American Board of Pathology (ABPath). Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the certification requirements and exam details:

• Certification Requirements: Visit the ABPath website and select the Booklet of Information for the most current eligibility criteria.
• Exam Description: Learn more about the Forensic Pathology subspecialty exam.

For More Information