Forensic pathology
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Forensic pathology, first recognized by the American Board of Pathology in 1959, is a branch of medicine concerned with determining cause of death usually for civil or criminal law cases. The word forensics is derived from the Latin forēnsis meaning public or forum.
Contents |
[edit] Scope of Forensic Pathology
The Forensic pathologist:
- Performs autopsies to determine cause of death (such as a bullet wound to the head, exsanguination, strangulation, etc.) and manner of death (including homicide, accident, natural, or suicide).
- Examines wounds and injuries due to crime or negligence.
- Examines tissue specimens that may be relevant to rape or other crimes.
- Forensic pathologists also work closely with the coroner (England and Wales) or medical examiner (United States). The examination of dead bodies (autopsy or post mortem) is a subset of anatomical pathology.
- Serves as an expert in courts of law testifying in civil or criminal law cases.
In an Autopsy, he is often assisted by a Diener.
Forensic pathologists are often also known as forensic medical examiners or police surgeons.
[edit] Differences between a Coroner and a Medical Examiner
In the United States, a Coroner is an elected public official, in a particular geographic jurisdiction, who investigates and certifies deaths. The vast majority of coroners lack a Doctor of Medicine degree and many have previously worked in the funeral industry. By contrast, a Medical Examiner is a physician who holds the degree of either Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy. Ideally, a Medical Examiner has completed both a pathology residency (medicine) and a fellowship in forensic pathology. He or she may also be board certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic and Forensic Pathology. Many positions in reality, however, are filled by physicians specializing in areas other than pathology.
[edit] External links
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
<references />
