Forensic pathologists play a crucial role in addressing public health threats and enhancing our understanding of human disease and injury, as highlighted in a new review article published on July 2 in The New England Journal of Medicine. Despite limited public and professional awareness about this medical subspecialty, the journal invited several leaders in forensic pathology to provide an overview of the field.
Rebecca Folkerth, MD, Principal Core Scientist with the Neuropathology Brain Bank at Mount Sinai and lead author of the review, noted that “many people may picture forensic pathology as forbidding and dark,” influenced by television portrayals. However, she emphasized that “the scope of forensic pathology goes far beyond autopsy examinations.”
Forensic pathologists are responsible for performing final diagnostic evaluations on deceased individuals, contributing to public health statistics, supporting families during times of loss, and assisting research into human disease and injury. They undergo extensive training and certification by the American Board of Pathology after completing specific programs recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Importantly, forensic pathologists maintain independence from law enforcement and judicial systems. They offer support to grieving families, guide them towards follow-up care if necessary due to heritable diseases, and facilitate tissue donation for medical research.
At Mount Sinai’s Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center, researchers are studying post-traumatic neurodegeneration through the Late Effects of TBI (LETBI) study. Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD, Director of the Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai, explained their aim to develop biomarkers for monitoring traumatic brain injury effects. She acknowledged forensic pathologists as essential partners in examining brain tissue postmortem.
Forensic pathologists also contribute significantly to public health management during crises such as pandemics or natural disasters. During COVID-19, offices like New York’s chief medical examiner functioned as disaster mortuaries when local facilities were overwhelmed.
The review highlights a workforce shortage in forensic pathology and hopes increased awareness will encourage young physicians to consider it as a career option.