Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Forensic Pathologist- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Working Life
The day-to-day work of a Forensic Pathologist is performing autopsies, for example in a case of a stabbing, shooting or head injury, which are common methods of homicide.
Autopsies are usually carried out under the authority of the State coroner, with police present.
The work of a Forensic Pathlogist also involves attendance at court cases and the coroner’s court, to explain medical issues to juries as well as relatives.
Forensic pathologists are supported in their work by clinical, biomedical and forensic scientists. Scientists can specialise, for example, in DNA fingerprinting or the identification of plant material and fibres.
This career area also gives you the opportunity of working with non-medical personnel such as police, barristers and lawyers.
Forensic Pathologists also undertake opinion work for lawyers or other organisations. This may be on behalf of a defendant on a murder charge, or acting in civil proceedings.
Forensic Pathology does not fall within the remit of the health service.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques.
- Collect evidence from crime scenes, storing it in conditions that preserve its integrity.
- Testify in court about investigative or analytical methods or findings.
- Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.
- Visit morgues, examine scenes of crimes, or contact other sources to obtain evidence or information to be used in investigations.
- Reconstruct crime scenes to determine relationships among pieces of evidence.
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- Confer with ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, documents, electronics, medical, chemical, or metallurgical experts concerning evidence and its interpretation.
- Prepare solutions, reagents, or sample formulations needed for laboratory work.
- Train new technicians or other personnel on forensic science techniques.
Qualities - Forensic Pathologist
Forensic Pathology is a specialist area that requires good communication skills, as well as an ability to work under pressure and a flexible approach to the working day, as much of the work is unpredictable.
Interests - Forensic Pathologist
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Entry / Progression - Forensic Pathologist
You can only become a Forensic Pathologist after graduating from medical school and completing foundation training. Forensic pathology is a specialised branch of histopathology and those intending to pursue a career in forensic pathology should first train in histopathology.
To become a pathologist, you must first qualify as a medical Doctor. It is usually during the internship year required for the purposes of registration that most newly qualified doctors decide on which branch of medicine to pursue. Some doctors enter general practice, while others pursue specialisation in hospital practice such as Pathology.
The run-through training programme is a minimum of five years postgraduate training. Training in forensic pathology will begin after approximately two to three years of training in histopathology and acquisition of part 1 of the membership examination of the Royal College of Pathologists (MRCPath) in the UK.
There are lab & research based equivalent skill development courses in Ireland. Specialist Forensic Pathology training is not currently available in Ireland.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: analytical chemistry, environmental forensic, pharmaceutical, DNA and forensic analysis.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: biomedical science with DPP, pathology applied.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Forensic Pathologist
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €34k - €168k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Salary expert/ HSE / Gov.ie/ Indeed
Last Updated: August, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Forensic Pathologist
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: General practitioners; medical practitioners; house officers (hospital); registrars (hospital); consultants (hospital); surgeons; psychiatrists.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The annual average employment growth for medical practitioners was slightly above average over the five-year period, with strong growth between 2021 and 2022. Almost 30% of those employed in this occupation were non-Irish citizens, with employment permits still acting as a source of supply of skills; over 2,100 new permits were issued in 2022 across a range of specialities. Supply from the third level education system is set to expand by 200 additional places by 2026 (beginning with an increase of 60 places each in 2022 and 2023). Given the duration of medical training, however, this increased supply is not expected to have an impact on the labour market in the short-to-medium term.
Issues in relation to GPs are being addressed with an announcement that the number of GP training places will be increased to 350 in 2024 from 258 in 2022 and an expansion of the non-EU GP Training Scheme from 50 to 250 by the end of 2024.43 However, the increasing demand for medical practitioners as a result of factors such as the rollout of the Sláintecare Action Plan, the ageing population and the tackling of the lengthy waiting lists (exacerbated as a result of COVID-19) will result in continued shortages for this occupation.
Useful Contacts - Forensic Pathologist
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Forensic Science Ireland (Eolaíocht Fhóiréinseach Éireann)
