Broward County Medical Examiner's Office Program

The Broward County Office of Medical Examiner & Trauma Services offers a one-year fellowship in forensic pathology, with two openings for the academic years 2024-2025. This training program satisfies the eligibility requirements for certification in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology. Broward County is situated centrally on the Southeast Florida Gulf Coast and encompasses a diverse population of over 1.9 million people across 31 municipalities. In 2021, the office assessed more than 5,000 cases, performing over 1,500 medicolegal autopsies, a reflection of the substantial caseload that the fellows will actively engage in during their training period 1.

Fellows in this program are expected to perform between 200 and 250 autopsies in addition to managing the complexities of final reports and death certifications. Throughout their tenure, fellows will receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced, board-certified pathologists, which is designed to cultivate their forensic pathology skills. The program also incorporates consultations with specialists including neuropathologists, forensic odontologists, cardiac pathologists, and forensic anthropologists 1.

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum emphasizes a combination of practical autopsy experience and supplementary educational offerings. Fellowships include weekly didactic sessions alongside the in-house forensic toxicology laboratory, participation in trauma conferences, and involvement in child death review meetings. This educational framework is further enriched by direct communication opportunities with families, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and healthcare professionals.

Research Opportunities

One of the noteworthy aspects of the fellowship is the encouragement of fellows to engage in research projects. It is anticipated that fellows will present their findings either in paper or poster format at national forensic meetings, fostering academic growth and contributing to the field of forensic pathology 1.

Benefits and Stipend

Fellows will be classified as employees of Broward County, with a competitive salary range between $125,000 and $200,000. Benefits include an educational expense fund applicable for one national and one local forensic conference, vacation, and access to office provisions such as a laptop computer and a microscope. Health and dental insurance, life insurance, and various retirement system options are also included. Notably, Florida does not impose a state income tax, adding an attractive financial consideration to the fellowship 1.

Application Requirements

The program stipulates that applicants must be graduates of accredited medical or osteopathic schools and be Board certified or eligible in Anatomic Pathology (AP) or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) by the start of the fellowship term. An unrestricted medical license or a medical doctor in-training license in Florida is essential, as is a valid driver’s license.

Required Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit several documents, including:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal Statement
• National Board of Medical Examiners Certified Scores (USMLE Step I, II, III and/or COMLEX I, II, III)
• Medical School Transcript
• Three Letters of Recommendation (with one from the program director)
• ECFMG certification (if applicable)
• Standardized pathology fellowship application

The application process will commence on August 1, 2022, with submissions accepted until February 1, 2023. Interviews are set to tentatively begin in January 2023 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program provides visa support for international medical graduates, sponsoring J-1 visas, which is commonly utilized for medical training in the U.S. The program is committed to supporting candidates who have diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment for learning.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of candidates, including both Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). To enhance the application process, applicants are advised to demonstrate strong academic performance and relevant clinical experience to bolster their candidacy.