The career I am interested in pursuing is forensic pathology.

A forensic pathologist is a licensed medical doctor who does physical examinations of people who have died or of people who have been injured in a potentially criminal manner. They usually only examine people who died suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently, to determine why this happened. This job includes tasks such as performing autopsies, determining the identities of bodies, evaluating crime scene evidence including witness statements, collecting trace evidence for further analysis, examining the body, determining cause of death, writing results and sometimes testifying to their findings in court. Forensic Pathologists ensure that procedures regarding evidence collection are followed, and they coordinate their work with law enforcement operations. When asked about her job description, Barbara, a forensic pathologist from the United States claimed I am a pathologist at a hospital. My job involves diagnosing clinical specimens, such as tissue, blood, or other liquids. I then give the information I obtain to other doctors so that they know what types of medical issues they are dealing with. Some work in small buildings in cities, towns, and some even for the federal government, while others work in hospitals, medical schools, or with a private or group practice. Forensic pathologists spend most of their time in the lab, performing autopsies or examining tissue samples under the microscope. This can involve standing for extended periods and working with small tools. After performing all of the operations needed for the day, the rest of their work day consists of writing official reports, filling out paper work, and making court appearances. The works hours for this job are very demanding, while the physical aspect is lesser. The physical demands are not great, but over time, it would be easy for the forensic pathologist to become emotionally affected by continual exposure to all of the graphic violence and death. The

work in this field is hard, the hours long, and the responsibilities numerous. Its a tough job by all means, and considering a forensic pathologist has to deal with people passed away on a day to day basis, you have to make sure that your stomach is up to the harsh requirements. As far as schooling goes, you have to have a high school diploma. After that, training and schooling for this job consists of eleven to eighteen years of college, during which time you will attend medical school. It takes a minimum of 13 years of education and training after high school to become a forensic pathologist. Pathologists obtain the same basic training as other doctors. You must complete training in anatomical pathology and subsequently sub-specialize in forensic pathology. From country to country, the requirements for becoming a fully certified forensic pathologist vary. Once someone becomes a certified forensic pathologist, their salary will raise to an outstanding $122,100, being $81.24 to $93.24 an hour. Employment outlook for this job is very high, and every year more forensic pathologists retire than are trained. This profession has great job security, at all levels. There is a growing need and not a lot of new trainees. If you want or need to relocate, you can easily find a new position. Said Jon, another forensic pathologist from the United States. What forensic pathologists do is very unique and specialized. It doesnt necessarily lend itself to other medical fields. That said, one could teach, consult, or conduct research. There are many opportunities to work in a pathology lab. You could work as a physician assistant, a technologist, a manager, or as a physician. You dont always have to go to medical school to find work in this field. There are many different ways to enter the field. Pathologists need to very outgoing, yet patient people. They need to be curious, motivated individuals who are interested

in solving medical problems, and also be willing to keep up with the latest developments in the medical field, and able to adapt to new technology. Technology is advancing and therefore effecting forensic pathologists jobs a lot. However, there are still hundreds of places that offer a job opportunity to qualified forensic pathologists. As for me, I would most likely go towards the one in Lansing, Michigan because of the fact that I am attending college in East Lansing. To become a forensic pathologist, one needs to acquire a strong stomach. Characteristics that would also help include things like a talent for and interest in science, good communication skills, thick skin and the mind of a detective. You will not only be interacting with law officers, but you'll be trying to convince judges and juries that your findings are valid. You'll be routinely dealing with dismembered and/or rotting bodies.