Page 117 - CFDI Guide

CFDI SPECIAL MODULES IN DEATH / SBI CRIMINAL DEFENSE INVESTIIGATIONS

The Forensic Pathologist

I. The Forensic Pathologist
We have discussed the role of a Forensic Pathologist (FP) extensively, but not their background.

The Forensic Pathologist is a Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) who has received

additional specialized education and training in the pathology subspecialty of forensic pathology. They
may, or may not, be Board Certified. It is recommended to consult with a board certified Forensic

Pathologist, and confirm credentials.

A Forensic Pathologist first completes the undergraduate program (Bachelor) and pre-medical school,

then a medical degree, then an additional 4-5 years of residency education and training in anatomic
(AP) and/or clinical pathology (CP) for certification. Once they have completed an additional year of
AP/CP certification, they complete a one-year fellowship in forensic pathology (at a university, hospital

or Medical Examiner office); Board Certification is by the American Board of Pathology. Additional

areas include surgical, pediatric, neuro, and other subspecialities of pathology. Then additional
residency and fellowship of usually one year in forensic pathology. Once meeting the qualifications,

Board Certification is by the American Board of Pathology. Time to become a Forensic Pathologist is
12+ years.

Other non- Forensic Pathologist / non-medical related positions include Forensic Pathology Assistants

and Medicolegal Death Investigators. The Cause of Death is considered a medical finding and opinion.
The Manner of Death may be a medical or non-medical finding and opinion. A Forensic Pathologist

may determine the Cause of Death, and may also determine, consult, or advise on the Manner of
Death with a non-FP (such as a Coroner). The CFDI is not determining Cause of Death, Manner of

Death, or Time of Death – only the review, analysis and investigation of the information and facts of
the Death or SBI.

II. Coroner and Medical Examiner Functions

The Coroner / ME office has functions based on state statute and office policies. First is jurisdiction,
the scene – the decedent and anything on or about the decedent, and any evidence to determine

Cause and Manner of Death, as well as Time of Death, and Identification. Law enforcement has no
jurisdiction in these matters. The ME office and law enforcement work cooperatively in deaths in

97 | P a g e