University of Colorado Program

The University of Colorado offers a 12-month Forensic Pathology Fellowship program designed to prepare individuals for a career in forensic pathology. This program provides comprehensive training primarily at the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner, an accredited facility by the National Association of Medical Examiners. It also maintains significant academic ties with the University of Colorado School of Medicine, enhancing the educational experience.

Participants in the fellowship will engage in critical rotations that include the Denver Police Department Crime Laboratory and a local forensic toxicology laboratory. These additional rotations offer valuable training in essential forensic disciplines, including DNA and serology, firearms and ballistics, trace evidence analysis, crime scene investigations, latent prints, and drug analysis. The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner investigates approximately 1,500 cases of death annually, including about 900 full autopsies and approximately 600 external examinations or record reviews, thereby ensuring ample hands-on experiences for fellows.

The fellowship's faculty comprises highly qualified professionals, including four board-certified pathologists with specialties in anatomic, clinical, and forensic pathology. The program's support staff features nine medicolegal death investigators and over five dedicated forensic autopsy technicians. During the fellowship year, participants are expected to perform between 200 to 250 autopsies and will be responsible for preparing the final reports as well as managing the death certification process. Effective communication is emphasized as fellows will interact with families, law enforcement agencies, attorneys, health professionals, and other stakeholders.

Moreover, fellows are encouraged to engage in community emergency preparedness activities and various death review processes. They will also participate in expert testimony when required and contribute to the education of residents and medical students. Throughout the training, fellows will develop skills in various domains, including autopsy techniques, forensic photography, evidence collection, interpretation of post-mortem studies, and human remains identification.

Requirements: To apply for this prestigious fellowship, candidates must have graduated from an accredited medical or osteopathic school, be eligible for medical licensure in the State of Colorado, and hold either board eligibility or certification in anatomic pathology (AP) or anatomic and clinical pathology (AP/CP) by the start of the fellowship tenure. An interview is a requirement for consideration. Offers are contingent upon thorough credential verification and a comprehensive background check, including a criminal history check.

Stipend: Fellows will be employed by the City and County of Denver, with a salary currently set at $100,313.35, complemented by benefits that meet Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) standards.

Visa Support: The program provides sponsorship for H-1B visas for international medical graduates (IMGs), making it accessible to a wider pool of applicants interested in forensic pathology.

Application Process: Candidates must submit a completed fellowship application alongside a current curriculum vitae, a letter of interest, and three letters of reference. Details about application deadlines and openings can be found through the University of Colorado School of Medicine. The fellowship participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for the upcoming application cycle.

This Fellowship in Forensic Pathology at the University of Colorado offers a unique opportunity for hands-on experience and rigorous training, ensuring fellows are well-prepared for a career in this specialized field of medicine.