What Is Forensic Pathology?

Forensic Pathology (FP) is a subspecialty of medicine that deals with the investigation of non-natural and suspicious deaths.

A Forensic Pathologist, first and foremost, is a physician. More specifically, a Forensic Pathologist is a medical doctor who is specially trained to perform autopsies, investigate suspicious deaths, and determine how, and by what means, a person died (cause and manner of death, respectively).

To become a forensic pathologist, one must achieve a Medical Degree (M.D.), then complete 4 to 5 years of training in general Pathology, and 1 to 2 years of specialized training in Forensic Pathology.

Any death that occurs under non-natural, or suspicious circumstances. Refer to the Montgomery County Coroner Office manual for specific details.