Forenic Pathology

The job of a Forensic pathologist is to determine a person's cause of death by examining tissues and fluids from the body. A forensic pathologist does this as well as examine people who died unexpectedly or violently. They also recognize other things that a regular pathologist might not, such as recognizing something as intentional rather than accidental. They have to determine who the person is, the time of death, the manner of death, and if it was accidental and the instruments which caused the death.

To be a medical examiner you must first met all of the educational requirements. After high school, you must enter college for a four year degree in chemistry or biology. After your four year degree, You must enter into medical school and complete a three to five year plan of residency. After you have completed your residency, you must also complete one year fellowships in forensic pathology in order to specialize in the field. Fellowship programs are directed by the city or state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. During fellowship training, you will be working beside skilled forensic pathologists, performing autopsies and participating in death investigations. To be a forensic pathologist you must have a special type of personality characteristics. You must have a talent for science,communication skills, strong stomach, tough skin, and a mind of a detective. Even if you have all but one of these personality traits, this job is not the job for you. The work environment for this career can be very emotional and frustrating. Therefore, if you lack the personality for this job you will not do well. There are many different places a forensic pathologist can work. They can work for a hospital or they can work for the local state or federal government. If you work for a hospital your salary will average from around $10,000 to $15,000 a year. If you work for the government or federal government your salary will be between $92,000 to $260,000 a year. The demand for forensic pathologist has gone up 28% since the year 2008. The biggest demand for forensic pathologist is in modern cities such as New York and Las Vegas. Other jobs you can do to make sure you want to be a forensic pathologist is work at a city morgue or a funeral home.

In choosing to become a forensic pathologist one must meet all of the educational and personality characteristic requirements. When considering this career one must considered both the advantages and disadvantages of being a forensic pathologist.

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