Forensic Medical Expertise Research Articles

“The doctors guide to the correct examination of dead human bodies...” by I.V. Buyalsky (1824): the first original Russian guide to forensic medical examination

The year 2024 marks the 235th anniversary of the birth of Ilya Vasilyevich Buyalsky, an outstanding Russian surgeon, anatomist, and forensic physician and Honored Professor of the Imperial Medical and Surgical Academy and academician of the Imperial Academy of Arts. Another anniversary date of this year is associated with Buyalsky’s name: exactly 200 years ago, “The doctors guide to the correct examination of dead human bodies for finding the cause of death, especially in forensic cases,” which was the first original domestic manual on forensic medical examination, was published in the Military Medical Journal. This article comprehensively examined the history of the creation of this work, its main points, and its significance for subsequent generations of Russian forensic medical experts. The article provides information about the activities of Buyalsky in the field of forensic medical examination. An analysis of his work “The doctors guide to the correct examination of dead human bodies...” is presented. The present study shows that Buyalsky was one of the founders of forensic thanatology in our country, and the main provisions of “The doctors guide to the correct examination of dead human bodies...” remain relevant to date.

Modern approaches in the problem of epilepsy in the practice of a nurse

The article is devoted to the activity of forensic medical expertise to ensure the validity, legality and fairness of decisions on the legal responsibility of medical workers taken by law enforcement authorities. The analysis of a specific clinical case, in which the commission forensic medical examination established a direct causal relationship between the onset of adverse consequences and the actions of a nursing medical worker, is carried out.

PROJECT OF THE EXEMPLARY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME OF THE PRIMARY SPECIALISATION (INTERNSHIP) «FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINATION»

The article proposes a project of a 2-year model educational programme of primary specialisation (internship) «Forensic medical examination» for training of forensic doctors in Ukraine. Aim of the work. To provide information about the project of 2-year model educational program of primary specialisation (internship) "Forensic Medicine" for training of forensic doctors in Ukraine. Results. The total duration of internship in specialisation «Forensic medical examination» is 2 years: 22 months, 3960 hours, 132 credits of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, including 1) 6 months of training in the department and related departments (1080 hours, 36 ECTS credits). According to the requirements of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the trainee stays at the Department for no more than 3 months during an academic year; 2) 16 months internship at the State specialised institution «Forensic Medical Examination Bureau» (2880 hours, 96 credits of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). Conclusions. The proposed project of a two-year model educational program of the primary specialization (internship) «Forensic medical examination» and the curriculum containing a full volume of systematized theoretical knowledge and a sufficient volume of practical skills, the mastery of which is necessary for the quality education of a doctor-specialist in the specialization «Forensic medical expert».

Peculiarities of commissions of forensic medical examinations in criminal cases related to crimes against sexual inviolability

The investigation of criminal cases related to sex crimes determines the range of circumstances to be immediately proved during investigations. Issues arising in the process of conducting such cases must be resolved as part of forensic medical examinations. Illegal acts of a sexual nature generally end in the violation of human health, not only physical with bodily harm but also psychological. During such examinations, specialists of various clinical specialties are included in the composition of expert commissions. These are specialists in the fields of obstetrics-gynecology, venereology, traumatology, psychiatry, and clinical psychology. During investigation and trial, important information can be provided by medical documents on the state of health of the victim, including the testimony of medical workers. Not only forensic medical experts who conducted examinations but also medical workers are called to court hearings as witnesses to incidents. This article analyzed the commissions of forensic medical examinations in a teenager harmed by violent sexual acts. The results of forensic medical examinations were analyzed. This article provides an expert observation of a victim of crimes against sexual inviolability that led to severe complications. During the investigation, the development of a mental disorder in the teenager was examined, and a forensic medical examination was performed. Psychological injuries are no less serious than physical ones. The body’s response to stress causes a pathological state of the psyche. Such a painful reaction can persist for many years. A prolonged depressive reaction due to an adaptation disorder arose in the victim after the unlawful actions committed against her with a direct causal relationship. When conducting forensic medical examinations related to illegal acts of a sexual nature, specialists in the fields of gynecology, traumatology, venereology, psychiatry, and clinical psychology must take part in the examinations.

The XI International Congress “Topical issues of forensic medicine and expert practice — 2024” dedicated to the memory of Professor Vladimir A. Klevno

In Moscow, on the basis of the Moscow Regional Research Institute named after M.F. Vladimirsky, the annual XI International Congress “Current Issues of Forensic Medicine and Expert Practice - 2024” was held on April 17–18, 2024. It was dedicated to the memory of Professor Vladimir Aleksandrovich Klevno, a talented scientist, a prominent domestic forensic physician, the first head of the Department of Forensic Medicine of MONIKI, one of the members of the Council of the National Medical Chamber, President of the Association of Forensic Experts, editor-in-chief of Forensic Medicine, Doctor of Medical Sciences, who was the ideological inspirer and organizer of this congress. For several decades V.A. Klevno was one of the country’s leading specialists in the field of forensic medicine, a major scientist and organizer of forensic science and expert practice, who made an invaluable contribution to the development of domestic forensic activity. The congress continued the proud tradition of bringing together experts, researchers, and professionals to further develop collaboration and exchange of cutting-edge research and the latest developments in the fields of forensic medicine, pathological anatomy, and legal practice. This international congress aimed to expand the knowledge of specialists in the fields of forensic medicine, pathological anatomy, and healthcare organization. The conference was distinguished by a rich program, a variety of new formats, and effective working tools that were used by the organizers this year. In particular, special projects were launched – thematic video master classes and the work of the sections “Non-state forensic activity” and “Histological studies in pathoanatomical and forensic medical expert practice.” Within the framework of the congress, a joint session of the Association of Forensic Experts and the Interregional Thanatoradiological Society “Radiation diagnostics in pathoanatomical and forensic medical expert practice” was also held. The article is devoted to an overview of the most striking and memorable events of the event.

Особливості підготовки окремих видів судово-медичних експертиз

Abstract. The article analyzes the important aspects of conducting forensic medical examinations in the context of the investigation of criminal cases and other offenses. The author determines that according to the object of examination, forensic medical examination can be divided into the following types: forensic medical examination, forensic medical examination of living persons, forensic medical examination of material evidence. The article analyzes the processes associated with the examination of a corpse, including the extraction of various biological materials and their further analysis. The methods of determining the time of death, establishing the causes and circumstances of death, as well as identifying the corpse are also considered in detail. It has been established that the forensic medical examination of living persons is the most common type of examination. The article describes the purpose, task and procedure of forensic medical examinations for living persons, including the collection of biological samples for comparison, analysis of injuries and other signs of violence. It is emphasized that the forensic medical expert does not have the right to provide the legal qualification of the examined injuries in the report, this is the prerogative of the investigation and the court. The author demonstrates how such examinations can be used to investigate criminal offenses, establish patterns, and resolve legal issues. In addition, the article examines in detail the specifics of physical evidence examination, such as blood, saliva, semen, tissues, and other materials that may be important in the investigation of criminal offenses. Methods of collection, storage and analysis of such evidence are highlighted, as well as their role in solving criminal cases. Summarizing, the article reveals the key aspects of forensic medical examinations of a corpse, living persons and physical evidence, which are important for judicial practice and the investigation of offenses. It helps to understand the processes and methods used by experts to obtain objective and reliable information necessary for justice and the protection of public safety.

FEATURES AND EMPHASIS OF TEACHING FORENSIC MEDICINE FOR STUDENTS OF THE PEP "PAEDIATRICS"

This article addresses current issues in teaching the academic discipline "Forensic Medicine and Medical Law" to students of the professional educational program (PEP) "Pediatrics." With a focus on violence against children, the authors emphasize the necessity of educating pediatric students on forensic principles and practical skills. The article highlights the harmonization with international standards, the importance of awareness among students, and the critical role forensic medicine plays in pediatric training. Forensic medicine, as a discipline encompassing diverse medical fields, plays a crucial role in pediatrics. This article explores the integration of forensic principles into the PEP "Pediatrics," emphasizing the increasing societal issue of violence against children. The importance of training pediatric students to recognize and respond to such incidents while maintaining a solid evidence base is paramount.
 The authors emphasize that teaching forensic medicine to pediatric students should prioritize the following directions:
 
 Expert Involvement in Forensic Medical Examinations: Focuses on the significance of forensic medical examinations related to medical errors and offenses. Article 69 of the Criminal Procedure Code allows pediatricians to act as experts, emphasizing equivalence in rights and responsibilities with forensic medical experts.
 Physician Participation in Urgent Investigative Actions: Emphasizes the importance of practical skills, such as examining a corpse at the scene. Article 238 of the Criminal Procedure Code permits pediatricians to participate in urgent investigative actions. This includes instructing students on organizational and legal aspects, as well as theoretical and practical principles of examining a corpse at the scene.
 Accurate Documentation of Physical Injuries: Stresses the essential skill of accurately describing physical injuries on a child's body. Acknowledges the role of pediatricians in initial injury documentation, considering the potential involvement in criminal investigations.
 Accuracy and Completeness of Medical Documentation: Underscores the critical nature of accurate and complete medical documentation, serving as evidence in criminal proceedings. The article discusses potential legal consequences for physicians due to improper maintenance.
 Recording Sexual Offenses Against Children: Introduces an elective course focusing on preventing sexual offenses against children and domestic violence. Aims to form theoretical and practical competencies in students, adhering to the "Istanbul Protocol" and emphasizing the role of pediatricians in recognizing and responding to sexual violence against children.
 
 Therefore, educating pediatric students on how to act in such cases, how to work with patients without compromising the evidence base, and simultaneously providing timely medical assistance becomes paramount. This ensures the preparation of a highly qualified specialist in pediatrics whose competencies align with their professional qualification characteristics.
 Conclusion.
 
 Harmonizing domestic legislation with EU norms and standards as part of Ukraine's integration into the EU creates priority directions in teaching the discipline "Forensic Medicine and Medical Law."
 Insufficient awareness among pediatric students and a casual attitude towards the consequences of unprofessional actions or inaction in future professional activities contribute to a lack of motivation for studying "Forensic Medicine and Medical Law."
 Teaching forensic medicine is a crucial part of pediatric training. By providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and respond to cases of violence against children, we can help protect children and ensure they receive the necessary assistance.

Review of the monograph "Improving the forensic medical examination of a corpse" O.B. Dolgova, V.I. Starodubov, P.O. Romodanovsky, N.V. Nozhkina

The author gives a review of the monograph "Improving the forensic medical examination of a corpse", prepared by a team of authors O.B. Dolgova, V.I. Starodubov, P.O. Romodanovsky, N.V. Nozhkina.
 The monograph is devoted to a scientific approach to improving the forensic medical examination of a corpse, contains data on the regulatory and legal regulation of expert activities and scientific and methodological quality assurance of examinations, the authors present the results of an analysis of the opinions of state bodies and the medical service on the process of forensic medical examinations, data on forensic diagnostics of violent and nonviolent death, criteria and approaches to assess the qualitative component of expert activity; the concept of effective stage-by-stage training of a forensic medical expert at a medical university is proposed, the importance of the quality of forensic medical examination for improving methods of diagnosis and treatment of patients in medical organizations is determined.
 The publication is intended for forensic medical experts and medical practitioners, health care organizers, residents, graduate students studying in the specialty "forensic medical examination", including it can be recommended to judicial investigative authorities and a wide range of readers.

About the work of the XVII Scientific and Practical Conference of Young Scientists and Specialists “Forensic medical science and practice”

On December 7, 2023, the Department of Forensic Medicine and Medical Law Russian University of Medicine of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation jointly with the Forensic Medical Expertise Bureau of the Moscow Health Department held the XVII Scientific and Practical Conference of young scientists and specialists "Forensic Science and Practice". The conference was attended by future forensic physicians ― students, residents and postgraduates, teachers of forensic medicine departments of medical universities of the Russian Federation, as well as novice forensic experts and their experienced supervisors.
 Professor E.Kh. Barinov in his welcoming speech to the participants of the conference told about the history of such events in Moscow, noted their scientific and practical significance, which contributes both to the formation of interest of the young generation of specialists in scientific research, and the acquisition of experience in public speaking and versatile discussions.
 In the main part of the day the reports of the conference participants were delivered followed by discussion of the topics raised.
 At the closing of the event, the high level of preparation of the speakers was noted and a detailed analysis of the speeches was presented. The Organising Committee wished the young scientists, specialists and their supervisors success in continuing their work on the selected topics.

Review of the guide for doctors by M.A. Kislov “Forensic neuropathology. Craniocerebral and spinal trauma”

The author reviews the scientific and practical publication prepared by the Doctor of Medical Sciences, associate Professor M.A. Kislov, titled “Forensic neuropathology. Craniocerebral and spinal injury.”
 The manual contains a detailed and accurate analysis of the pathological, physical, biochemical, and molecular genetic processes involved in nervous system disorders in cases of head and cervical spinal column injuries.
 The scientific work is a timely review of the latest achievements in the field of clinical and forensic neuropathology.
 This publication is recommended to doctors of forensic medical experts, pathologists, neuropathologists, neurosurgeons, and doctors of other specialties interested in and dealing with central nervous system disorders of traumatic genesis.

Traumatic Brain Injury: Current Trends Towards the Increase of the Number of Cases and Its Diagnosis

Introduction The global medical community calls traumatic brain injury (TBI) a "silent epidemic" because the latter causes a significant increase in mortality and disability more than any other mechanical injury. Although today's world achievements demonstrate powerful technical capabilities for accurate diagnosis of the time of occurrence and mechanism of TBI, however, the commission examination departments of the forensic medical examination bureau are considering more and more cases of diagnostic errors made by forensic medical experts during autopsies , which later caused protracted legal proceedings.
 Aim. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the modern diagnostic possibilities of methods for verifying the diagnosis and the time formation of TBI.
 Methods. Literary data on the prevalence and methods of diagnosing TBI at the present time were analyzed.
 Results. The degree and severity of TBI, as well as its course, after the initial mechanical injury depends on many factors. In the last decade, there has been an intensification of research on protein biomarkers based on biofluids (blood, cerebrospinal fluid) for intravitality diagnosis. However, not all markers provide reliable information that would correlate with the presence of TBI. Until now, the "gold standard" of diagnosis is an autopsy, next to which radiological studies are effectively used.
 Conclusion.
 Taking into account the global statistical data, postmortem diagnosis of TBI is an important issue of forensic traumatology, which requires a careful approach.

Archaeology of Modern Conflict and Heritage Legislation in Lithuania during Thirty Years of Restored Independence

After the Lithuanian National Revival in 1988 and the restoration of independence in 1990, the public on their own initiative searched for the remains of fallen anti-Soviet Lithuanian partisans (1944-1953), excavating the burial sites of partisan remains, their bunkers and dugouts. Such excavations prompted the need to establish regulations and procedures for the exhumation and transfer of the remains of victims of 20th-century conflicts and occupation regimes. Government resolutions adopted in 1992 obliged prosecutors, archaeologists, anthropologists and forensic medical experts to be involved in the exhumation procedure and to carry out the exhumation in accordance with the basic requirements of archaeological research. Owing to the restoration and destruction of authentic partisan bunkers and dugouts, the increase in archaeological investigations at 20th-century conflict sites, as well as the emergence of a distinct field of modern conflict archaeology, the 2022 revision of the Archaeological Heritage Management Regulation stipulated the necessity to carry out archaeological research prior to any excavation works at all 19th- and 20th-century conflict sites. Between 1995 and 2022, a total of 171 permits for archaeological excavations at 20th-century conflict sites were issued. Investigations were mostly carried out at the burial sites of Wehrmacht and Polish Home Army (Armia Krajowa) soldiers of the Second World War and Lithuanian partisans. Partisan bunkers, dugouts, campsites, battlefields also received considerable attention. Today, more than 1700 20th-century conflict sites have legal protection in Lithuania. These include Lithuanian Partisan War sites (mainly sites of death and burial), burial sites of soldiers from the First and Second World Wars, sites of massacres and burials of Jews, and other sites associated with the Soviet and Nazi occupation regimes. This article focuses on 20th-century conflict sites in Lithuania, examining issues of their protection, heritage conservation and archaeology, as well as current trends in archaeological research methodology.

A CASE OF SELF-HARM USING A DEVICE TO STUN FARM ANIMALS

There are several types of devices used to stun cattle before slaughter or stunner (captive bolt pistol, cattlegun, stunner). This device consists of a heavy impact rod made of corrosion-resistant alloys such as stainless steel. It is held inside the case with the help of rubber washers and does not protrude from it. The rod is actuated by the trigger and is advanced by compressed air, a spring mechanism, or a blank cartridge charge that is ignited by the firing pin. After a shallow but strong blow to the animal's forehead, the spring tension causes the rod to roll back into the housing. In forensic medical practice, such devices usually appear as instruments of death in cases of suicidal or accidental injuries. Moreover, when reviewing the Ukrainian-language literature, the authors did not come across reports of deaths caused by stunners for stunning animals. Such situations are described in English-language professional periodicals, but they are extremely rare. Killings are generally isolated, apparently due to the fact that fatal wounds when fired from these devices occur from a distance of less than 10 cm, which follows from the design, namely the length of the rod. That is why the authors decided to report on a case from their expert work.
 A 58-year-old man was found unconscious in a beam and was taken to the hospital with a severe open penetrating brain injury, a hole-multifragmentary fracture of the left temporal bone, where he died 10 hours later. No additional data was provided by the police
 According to the autopsy data, a wound of a slightly irregular, rounded shape, with a diameter of about 0.9 cm, with small scalloped edges, which were unevenly beveled due to the "minus-tissue" defect towards the center, was found. Around the wound, there was an irregular, rectangular-shaped, brown-brown, dried-up scab, which was more pronounced on the lower edge. On the bow of the right temporal bone there is a hole-fragmentary fracture with the formation of a bone defect in the central part. The defect had a rounded shape, its edges are finely serrated, beveled like a trapezoid in the direction of the skull cavity, around the defect there is a funnel-shaped depression of the bone, which is formed by three incomplete fragments of an irregular shape. The total length of the wound canal was about 9 cm, and there were small bone fragments in the brain detritus along its entire length. No striking elements of the projectile or the projectile itself were found within the wound channel.
 According to the medical criminalistics investigation, the following were found: intermittent overlays of small dust-like dull particles of dark gray and black color, similar to soot shot, within the sedimentation belt, on the walls of the hole, and on the area of an irregular oval shape, located below and to the right of the above-mentioned damage. A diphenylamine test with dust-like particles gave a positive result. Traces of compounds of iron (characteristic form), lead, nickel and copper were also detected by the contact-diffusion method.
 Conclusions:
 
 Unfortunately, police very often do not provide important, and sometimes critically important, information, especially before the examination, so it is necessary to request the provision of criminal proceedings materials in any case with undetermined or unspecified circumstances.
 Forensic medical experts must use all available verified sources of information, within the framework allowed by legislation of Ukraine.
 In this case, the injuries were caused by a device with a firearm mechanism of operation, therefore, in unclear cases, it is necessary to use the term "device" and not "weapon" in the results.

FORENSIC MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS OF REFLEXIVE CARDIAC ARREST WITH TRAUMATIC DAMAGE OF THE SOLAR PLEXUS (CASE FROM EXPERT PRACTICE)

In the practice of forensic medical experts, cases of sudden death of young people during conflict situations with no obvious signs of injury appear from time to time. During the autopsy, as a rule, no morphological abnormalities are detected, and the main cause of death remains undetermined. In this case, one should remember the possibility of viscero-cardiac reflexes during a traumatic effect on a person's reflexogenic zones. Modern scientific achievements, especially regarding the pathophysiology of cardiac activity and its disorders, prompted the authors to cover this topic with a view to forensic aspects.
 Results. The case demonstrates that a detailed analysis of the circumstances of a person's death, a detailed forensic medical examination of the corpse, which includes taking material from reflexogenic areas of the body with its subsequent histological examination, allow to verify a forensic medical diagnosis.
 Conclusion. This case demonstrates that a systematic approach using histological methods of diagnosis makes it possible to confirm the diagnosis of reflex cardiac arrest of traumatic origin by identifying signs of acute metabolic disorders of the myocardium, provided the primary source of traumatic irritation of the solar plexus is identified.

Modern directions of forensic examination and criminalistic

In the conditions of war, investigators investigate hundreds of military criminal offenses. Foreign military assistance provided to Ukraine significantly improves and speeds up the investigation process.
 Today, it is extremely necessary to invite foreign criminalistic and forensic experts to help domestic investigators, prosecutors, and forensic experts in disentangling military criminal offenses and conducting forensic examinations._Regarding the state of development, certain aspects of this topic were considered in the works of such scientists as H.K. Avdeeva, M.V. Kostenko, V. Yu. Shepitko and other scientists. The purpose of the article is to consider issues related to modern areas of forensic examination and forensic analysis in the conditions of the war in Ukraine._With the beginning of a full-scale war in Ukraine, law enforcement agencies were faced with the need to conduct hundreds of types of forensic examinations of objects that were subject to individual examinations in Ukraine until 2014.
 Therefore, the help of foreign criminalistic, forensic medical experts during the investigation of military criminal offenses and conducting forensic examinations is important today. The burden on forensic experts has increased, related to conducting hundreds of DNA, weapons, etc. examinations. It is necessary to talk about the use of DNA laboratories. One of these was presented to the National Scientific Center of Forensic Examinations named after Honored Professor M.S. Bokarius in 2022. Thanks to it, forensic experts conducted hundreds of expert studies and identified the identities of the dead citizens. We should also use the innovative experience of our French colleagues, who created this DNA laboratory and have already provided two such laboratories for Ukrainian forensic experts. Another urgent problem is the interference of foreign campaigns in the activities of the domestic network of Stylnik communication. Large-scale cyberattacks on the Kyivstar network from the Russian side require investigators and prosecutors to use innovative developments in forensics and forensics. It is necessary for forensic experts to determine many circumstances and establish whether a cyber attack was carried out from the territory of the Russian Federation.

Shifting blame from the actions of the accused to medical professionals

A constant, clear trend is observed toward the appointment of forensic medical examinations in criminal and civil claims to healthcare institutions and individual medical workers. In some cases, criminal cases were initiated against medical workers without sufficient grounds. In their grief, relatives are not always able to objectively assess the actions of medical workers, which is often the reason for contacting investigative and judicial instances. Lawyers also support them in this. Often, medical workers receive complaints because they do not know how to properly explain to the patient and relatives the complexity of the situation and insist on hospitalization. All this is taken into service by lawyers, including medical professionals. Thanks to their actions, the prosecutor’s office, investigation, and courts are forced to do unnecessary and not always necessary work. All the above has become more often manifested during the investigation and trials to mitigate the guilt of the accused in criminal cases that harm health. The defendant or the representative of the defense declares that the consequences of the injury caused to the victim or the death of the victim are the result of the improper actions of medical workers, that is, the victim received inappropriate medical care. Explaining the purpose pursued by these people is difficult. However, such statements only lead to a delay in investigative actions and trials, appointment of additional, and sometimes repeated, forensic medical examinations, including commissions. In court hearings, not only forensic medical experts who conducted examinations are called witnesses to the incident but also medical workers. The presented work provides an expert observation of the death of a 4-year-old child. During the investigation and trial, the issue of inappropriate medical care arose, and a forensic medical examination commission was appointed. The forensic medical examination revealed that the child received appropriate medical care and had no connection with bodily harm.

Substantive approach to ensuring infectious safety in forensic medical expert practice

The objective of the study is to analyze existing measures and identify problematic aspects of ensuring the organization of infectious safety activity in forensic medical expert institutions, to develop ways of their solution. Documents regulating the functional principles of forensic medical expert institutions in cases of detection or suspicion of infectious pathology have been examined. Specific proposals for the development of a system to ensure infectious safety in the organization of work in the bureau of forensic medical expertise have been formulated.

Interdepartmental communication training for forensic medical experts

Is to identify the main communication problems encountered by forensic medical experts and specialists during the interdepartmental interaction, and to develop proposals to overcome them. A comprehensive approach was used to achieve the aim of the research, including the carrying out of a qualitative focus group interview of forensic medical experts and resident doctors. The main communicative problems have been determined and proposals for their elimination have been formulated, the types of communication trainings on interdepartmental interaction have been identified.

Legal and forensic medical problems of postmortem donation

The article is devoted to legal and forensic medical problems of postmortem donation. The substantive provisions of postmortem donation, as well as normative legal documents regulating the processes of organs harvesting from deceased persons for subsequent transplantation and governing the work of transplantologists and forensic medical experts have been considered. The practical examples illustrating the essence and nature of the problem of postmortem forensic medical expertise of persons with absent organs has been given and the importance of the participation of a forensic medical expert involved in the decision-making process on possibility (or impossibility) of the corpse's organs and tissues explantation without prejudice to the further expert examination has been emphasized. The authors pay particular attention to the inadequacy of the legal framework, including the lack of a clear understanding of the legal status of the person holding the position of forensic medical expert, who provides an expert opinion on the organs' explantation.

Educational trajectory of forensic medical expert in the system of continuous medical education

The objective of the study is to determine the possibility and the right to choose the directions of self-education and self-development by forensic medical experts within the framework of personal and professional development program in the educational trajectory formation. The materials of special and encyclopaedic literature including pedagogical and sociological sciences, as well as legal framework regulating the processes of continuing medical education have been studied. The choice of educational trajectory of forensic physician depending on personal benchmarks, self-education building and participation in educational activities has been defined.