Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals/Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office Program

The Forensic Pathology Fellowship offered in conjunction with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) provides a comprehensive one-year training program focused on forensic pathology. This program is ACGME-accredited and is designed to develop the skills necessary for conducting medicolegal autopsies and performing other forensic duties.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office investigates approximately 6,000 deaths annually and conducts around 1,200 autopsies for multiple counties, including Milwaukee, Jefferson, Kenosha, Racine, and Ozaukee. This program's location near the courthouse allows fellows to engage directly with legal proceedings relevant to forensic pathology.

Training and Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide the fellow with a well-rounded experience in various subfields of forensic science. This includes:

• Conducting medicolegal autopsies on a diverse range of cases, such as natural deaths, accidents, suicides, and homicides.
• Rotations in specialized areas, including toxicology, forensic anthropology, and forensic odontology.
• Engagement with laboratories of the Milwaukee branch of the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory.

Fellows are encouraged to take substantial control over their cases, allowing them to develop their investigative and diagnostic skills progressively. Involvement in consultations with senior pathologists provides an excellent learning platform where feedback and guidance are readily available.

Research Opportunities

The program strongly encourages fellows to engage in research activities, allowing them to investigate topics of interest within the field of forensic pathology. Participation in the annual Medicolegal Death Investigation seminar is also a key aspect, where fellows can contribute and learn from discussions with investigators and law enforcement personnel.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the Forensic Pathology Fellowship, applicants must have completed residency training in either anatomic pathology or a combined clinical and anatomic pathology program accredited by the ACGME. Specific application components include:

• A completed application form.
• Curriculum vitae.
• A personal statement outlining future plans and specific interests in pathology.
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation.
• A medical school transcript.

This program typically accepts one fellow per academic year, and selection for interviews occurs after thorough review of completed applications, which generally takes place in the fall.

Competitiveness and Inclusion

The Forensic Pathology Fellowship at MCW is competitive. It aims to attract a diverse range of applicants, including both MD and DO graduates as well as international medical graduates. The program selects candidates based on various criteria, reflecting the institution's commitment to diversity and inclusion within the medical community.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international applicants and can sponsor certain visa types, which facilitates the entry of international medical graduates seeking to join the fellowship. This aspect enhances the program's capacity to foster a diverse learning environment, enriching the educational experiences of all fellows.

Benefits

Participants in the fellowship are offered a comprehensive benefits package that supports both professional development and personal well-being during the fellowship year.