Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office Program

The Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program at the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office offers an extensive training experience in a state-of-the-art facility. Established in 2009, the program boasts an in-house histology laboratory, a Lodox™ full-body, high-speed X-ray imaging device, as well as dedicated rooms for specialized autopsies such as brain dissection and handling decomposed or infectious cases. The facility is supported by a team of experienced, full-time histology-autopsy technicians, ensuring a comprehensive learning environment.

The fellowship spans one year, during which fellows engage in diverse educational activities aimed at expanding their expertise. Four weeks are devoted to in-house training, which includes rotations through specialized laboratories such as the firearms lab, toxicology lab, DNA lab, forensic drug chemistry lab, trace materials lab, and fingerprint lab, thereby providing relevant hands-on experience in various forensic disciplines.

Clinical Experience

Fellows are expected to perform between 200 and 250 autopsies, gaining exposure to a wide variety of cases averaging approximately 1700 cases handled by the medical examiner’s office annually. This practical experience encompasses complex cases including gunshot wound homicides, stabbings, and pediatric cases, allowing fellows to comprehensively understand the landscape of forensic pathology.

Staff Expertise

The program is bolstered by an experienced staff with over 100 years of combined experience in forensic pathology. Each attending represents diverse training backgrounds, enriching the educational experience through varied perspectives in forensic pathology.

Compensation and Benefits

The fellowship offers competitive compensation at $75,000 per year, plus benefits. This compensation is particularly attractive given the region's low cost of living; for instance, the fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $884 monthly, making it an economical choice for fellows.

Educational Opportunities

The fellowship also emphasizes continuous learning through multiple scheduled lectures and the opportunity for fellows to attend a national conference. There are also provisions for optional involvement in various conferences, brain cutting sessions facilitated by neuropathologists, and access to other specialists, including odontologists, entomologists, and anthropologists, further diversifying the educational exposure of fellows.

Unique Involvement Opportunities

Fellows have the unique opportunity to participate in several special activities such as child death reviews, pediatric trauma reviews, safe sleep initiatives for infants, grant acquisition and management, as well as outreach initiatives aimed at education. This broad involvement fosters a well-rounded experience in forensic pathology.

Prime Location

Positioned in a city acclaimed as one of the “Most Livable Cities,” the program's location offers fellows a vibrant cultural scene with easy access to numerous restaurants, stadiums, theaters, and other venues within walking distance of the office.

Success Rate

The program maintains an impressive 100% passing rate on FP boards, alongside a 100% job acquisition rate for graduates entering the field of forensic pathology, indicating the program's commitment to training competent forensic pathologists.

Visa Support

The fellowship program provides visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs) interested in pursuing this specialized training. The types of visas supported typically include the J-1 visa and the H-1B visa for eligible candidates, allowing them to gain critical expertise in forensic pathology within the United States.

Application Competitiveness

The Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program is known to be highly competitive, aiming to attract candidates who have completed an accredited residency program in pathology. IMGs and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) candidates are generally welcomed, but applicants are encouraged to present strong academic records, relevant clinical experience, and any research involvement that may strengthen their application.

Application Requirements

Specific application requirements may include a maximum number of failed STEP exams, while the year of graduation may also be taken into consideration. The program looks for candidates with a solid academic performance and relevant experiences that will enrich their learning during the fellowship.