Medical College of Georgia Program

The Forensic Pathology Fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia is a comprehensive program designed to provide the fellow with extensive training in forensic pathology. This fellowship is affiliated with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Medical Examiner's Office, which serves a substantial portion of the state, offering a unique opportunity for a hands-on experience in a variety of forensic cases.

Position Description

Located in Decatur, Georgia, the fellowship allows the fellow to engage directly with a high case volume, encompassing both homicide and non-homicide investigations. Supervised by board-certified forensic pathologists, the fellow will perform autopsies and postmortem examinations, aiming to determine the cause and manner of death. This includes reviewing postmortem radiographs, collecting specimens for toxicology, and preparing comprehensive reports for cases. The wealth of resources available includes collaboration with forensic anthropology, neuropathology, and more, providing a multidisciplinary approach to forensic medicine 1.

Training Sites

The GBI Medical Examiner’s Office is part of a crime lab accredited by ASCLD-LAB, following the ISO 17025 Standard. This environment features dedicated forensic science rotations and the opportunity to consult with other departments on a case-by-case basis 1. The fellowship also includes specialized training in pediatric forensic pathology, enriching the fellow's expertise with the help of faculty experienced in child pathology. Additionally, cardiac pathology training is offered through collaborations with local specialists.

Unique Features

A hallmark of this fellowship is the scene investigation training, where the fellow participates in death scene investigations alongside ABMDI-certified medicolegal death investigators from the nearby DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office. Furthermore, the legal curriculum includes training sessions with in-house legal faculty, which prepares the fellow for courtroom testimonies and depositions, further integrating forensic pathology with legal considerations 1.

Research and Quality Improvement

The fellowship promotes research activities, providing financial support for fellows to present their findings at national meetings. In addition, there are opportunities for quality improvement initiatives through collaborations with both the forensic science sections and local hospital committees, fostering a culture of continuous excellence 1.

Mentoring and Resources

The program emphasizes mentorship, with faculty committed to teaching and supporting fellows throughout their training journey. A variety of resources, including private fellow offices equipped with desktop computers and digital libraries, enhance the learning experience. The fellows benefit from a structured didactic lecture series in addition to daily educational case reviews 1.

Requirements

Applicants are expected to hold an M.D. or D.O. degree and be board-eligible in anatomic pathology (AP) or anatomic-chemical pathology (AP/CP). A valid Georgia medical license is required, alongside a willingness to accommodate a flexible work schedule. Additional prerequisites include passing USMLE or COMLEX examinations and presenting a minimum of three recommendation letters, one from the residency program director 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates, demonstrating its commitment to diversity and inclusion within its training framework. The fellowship is considered competitive, welcoming applications from both DO and IMG candidates, reflecting an openness to a variety of backgrounds and experiences 1.

Application Process

Application submissions open on September 1 and close on November 1, with interviews taking place in early 2024. The fellowship officially begins on July 1, 2025, creating an exciting opportunity for interested candidates to embark on their forensic pathology careers 1.