University of Utah Health Program

The University of Utah offers a comprehensive ACGME-accredited one-year Forensic Pathology Fellowship program through its Department of Pathology. The fellowship is conducted primarily at the Utah Office of the Medical Examiner, alongside additional training opportunities at the Utah State Laboratory for forensic toxicology and the Utah State Crime Lab, which are all situated in close proximity to each other within the Utah public health campus. This setup facilitates extensive exposure to a varied jurisdictional caseload, with the Medical Examiner’s Office handling over 3,000 death investigations annually for a population exceeding 3 million.

Fellows will receive in-depth training in various aspects of death investigation. This includes initial death scene responses, comprehensive documentation through written reports and photography, and both external and internal examinations of deceased individuals. The curriculum also emphasizes evidence collection, death certification processes, preparation of forensic autopsy reports, and the skills necessary for providing court testimony. Importantly, interaction with law enforcement, attorneys, organ and tissue donation agencies, child fatality review committees, domestic violence committees, and grieving families is a crucial part of the educational experience provided to fellows.

The structured learning framework is characterized by regular case reviews, engaging lectures, and an active journal club. Additionally, fellows will be responsible for giving presentations aimed at law enforcement officials, health professionals, and the general public, enhancing their communication and teaching skills. Involvement in the education of medical students and pathology residents who rotate through the office will also be part of the fellow's responsibilities. At the conclusion of the fellowship year, participants will be qualified to sit for the American Board of Pathology certification examination in Forensic Pathology.

Positions and Compensation

The fellowship program accepts up to three fellows each year. Compensation is commensurate with the fellow's postgraduate training year, reflecting the university's commitment to fair remuneration.

Application Requirements

Applicants must hold an MD, DO, or equivalent degree with ECFMG certification if they are international medical graduates. Candidates must be board eligible or board certified in anatomical pathology and must qualify for a medical license in the state of Utah. Notably, the program requires fellowship candidates to have a J-1 visa, which is the designated visa type for international trainees. This policy aligns with the guidelines outlined by the University of Utah Office of Graduate Medical Education and is applicable to all fellowships within the Department of Pathology.

Application materials include either submission through ERAS or direct submission of a cover letter, personal statement, curriculum vitae, CAP Standardized Fellowship Application, and three letters of recommendation, one of which should be from the applicant's current or most recent program director. The program is currently accepting applications for positions starting July 1, 2026.

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Utah School of Medicine maintains a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring no discrimination occurs based on gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Faculty

The program is supported by a distinguished faculty consisting of experienced professionals, including program director Lily Marsden, MD, as well as other notable faculty members such as Michael Belenky, MD, Erik Christensen, MD, and Amanda Ho, MD, among others. This diverse faculty provides fellows with a robust foundation of knowledge and expertise in the field of forensic pathology.