ABSTRACT
After basic pathology training, some pathologists can do specialized training for a year or more in the area of
forensic pathology
, in which specific training in death investigation is offered.
Forensic
means “open to public discussion and debate,” or “belonging to the courts.” Thus
forensic pathology
is a subspecialty of pathology that deals with pathology and its relevance to public and court or legal issues. This type of training usually consists of spending a year at an approved (accredited)
The American Board of Pathology is a professional organization that offers an examination the pathologist may take to show that he or she has undergone a formal educational curriculum and has achieved a minimum level of competence in the field. Not all pathologists take or successfully pass the examination, but in some settings they may still practice if they have a medical license. Once the pathologist has completed the basic training, he or she can apply for the examination and if accepted, is considered to be
board qualified
. If the examination is then taken and successfully completed (i.e., the pathologist passes the examination), he or she is said to be
board certified
. There is a board examination for anatomic pathology and another for clinical pathology. There are also subspecialty examinations the pathologist may take in areas such as dermatopathology, neuropathology, and forensic pathology.
