Forensic Pathologist

Forensic Pathologist

Forensic pathology is a specialized field of pathology focused on determining the cause of death through examination of deceased individuals. This examination, known as an autopsy, is typically conducted by a coroner or medical examiner, especially in the context of criminal and civil law cases. In addition to investigating causes of death, coroners and medical examiners are often tasked with confirming the identity of deceased persons.

Criteria for Credentialing on National Specialist Register of Malaysia:

1. Qualifications

1.1 Hold a recognized basic medical degree accredited by the Malaysian Medical Council.
1.2 Be fully registered as a medical practitioner with the Malaysian Medical Council and possess a valid annual practicing certificate.
1.3 Possess a postgraduate degree in Forensic Pathology recognized by the Government of Malaysia, including but not limited to:
- Membership/Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists, UK (MRCPath Forensic), (FRCPath Forensic)
- Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (FRCPA Forensic)
- Master of Pathology (Forensic), from Universiti Malaya or Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
- Master of Science (Medical Science), from Glasgow
- Diploma in Medical Jurisprudence (Path), from the Society of Apothecaries, London
- Any other equivalent Forensic Pathology postgraduate degree recognized by the Forensic Pathology Specialty Committee, subject to individual assessment.

2. Training

2.1 Participate in a training program designed to produce competent Forensic Pathologists with specialized skills in Forensic Pathology, Forensic Histopathology, Forensic Toxicology, and Clinical Autopsy examination, as well as proficiency in managing and organizing diagnostic Forensic Pathology services.
2.2 Undergo at least three years of supervised training in an accredited Forensic Pathology Center, acquiring the ability to:
- Independently conduct Forensic and Clinical autopsy examinations and report findings
- Manage a diagnostic Forensic Pathology laboratory
- Lead crime scene investigations to determine cause of death
- Offer consultancy services to relevant authorities
- Interpret and report routine forensic histopathology slides, including histochemistry and immunohistochemistry.
2.3 Gain competence in recognizing common ultrastructural changes of diagnostic significance and performing frozen sections of forensic-related cases under indirect supervision.

3. Work Experience

3.1 Accumulate a minimum of six months of supervised work experience in an accredited Forensic Pathology Center following the acquisition of the postgraduate professional qualification as specified in Clause 1.3.
3.2 Document this experience with supervisor reports confirming satisfactory completion.

4. Designations

4.1 A Forensic Pathologist is a qualified Pathologist specializing in Forensic Pathology, capable of conducting Forensic Autopsies, Clinical Forensic Examinations, laboratory analysis, crime scene investigations related to cause of death, and providing expert testimony in court.

5. Exemptions

5.1 Experienced Forensic Pathologists in Malaysia may be exempted from detailed training and supervisor reports if they meet certain criteria and are recognized by their peers, including being gazetted as a Forensic Pathologist by the Ministry of Health, registered as a Forensic Pathologist under the Specialist Register of the Academy of Medicine of Malaysia, or serving as academic staff at a local university while practicing Forensic Pathology.

6. Professional Good Standing

6.1 Applicants are responsible for disclosing any instances of loss of professional good standing to the Forensic Pathology Specialty Committee.