Forensic Pathology Fellowship Training Positions and Subsequent Forensic Pathology Work Effort of past Forensic Pathology Fellows

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to document the number of accredited, funded, and filled forensic pathology fellowship positions in the United States and to document the subsequent work effort of forensic pathology fellowship graduates in terms of whether they go on to practice forensic pathology full time, part time, only as a consultant, or not at all. Also studied is the portion of fellows who become board certified in forensic pathology and/or become members of the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME). Using surveys of training program directors and the NAME membership, information was obtained for 190 persons who did a forensic pathology fellowship sometime during the years 2000-2005. Information was also obtained from the 35 program directors about the number of accredited, funded, and filled positions in their programs. Among the 35 active programs, 78 positions are approved by the ACGME of which 53 are funded and 42 filled in 2011. Thus, only 68% of approved positions are funded, and 79% of the funded positions are filled. For the 2011 training year, 8 of the 35 programs (23%) have no fellow. Almost equal numbers of men and women trained during the study period. Board certification in forensic pathology was achieved by 67% of 190 trainees and 67% practice forensic pathology full time for an office which conducts official medicolegal death investigations. Unfortunately, 21% end up not practicing forensic pathology at all. 55% of past trainees belong to NAME. A lower portion of women trainees practice forensic pathology full time, and a higher portion of women (26%) do not practice forensic pathology at all, compared with men (15%). For those who obtained board certification in forensic pathology (n=128), 78% were working full time. For those who lacked board certification (n=62), 44% were practicing forensic pathology full time. Forensic pathology fellowship training directors need be aware of these statistics when developing strategies for program development, financial support, and fellow selection. More rigorous evaluation of candidates may be needed to identify those who truly plan to work full time in the field of forensic pathology. Training directors should also take measures to ensure that their programs are not discouraging fellows from continuing their career in forensic pathology. NAME may need to consider ways to attract more graduating trainees into its membership.