The Future of the Forensic Pathology Workforce

Abstract

According to many published reports, testimonials, research studies, and data collected, there are not enough forensic pathologists to serve the United States. Forensic pathologists are responsible for the medicolegal investigation of death. Such investigation includes death scene, history, autopsy, and determining the cause and manner of death. To get an idea of the workload of the forensic pathologist, retrospective data can be examined. The numbers alone reveal that there has been and remains a shortage in the forensic pathologist workforce. If the overall goal is to remedy this forensic pathologist shortage, strategies must be broad and long-term. Also, not all goals will have concrete metrics that can be quantified, such as to increase and improve public image. Some of the underlying problems, trends, future predictions, and possible solutions are discussed.