Forensic Pathology
The forensic pathology rotation gives residents a basic knowledge of major forensic pathology problems, the related medical legal system, and functions of the coroner/medical examiner's office, which performs about 1,000 medicolegal autopsies yearly. Residents learn to identify cases where notification of the coroner is needed; become familiar with the appearance of firearm, sharp instrument, and blunt force injuries; and learn to recognize and differentiate between them. Residents perform autopsies under the supervision of the staff forensic pathologist and prepare and present two topics during this rotation.
Residents can also elect to spend time in the toxicology and crime lab and are encouraged to attend preliminary hearings and coroner inquests.
