Forensic Pathology
Title of Clerkship: Forensic Pathology
Elective Year(s): Fourth-Year Elective
Department: Pathology
Type of Elective: Clinical
Clerkship Site: Lucas County Coroner’s Office
Course Number: PATH 717
Blocks Available: All
Number of Students/Block: 2
Faculty: Thomas Blomquist MD. Ph.D.
Elective Description/Requirements: Students are expected to spend Monday through Friday 8:00a-4:00pm in the Lucas County Coroner’s Office. During that time, they attend autopsies and assist in their performance, accompany investigators on field investigations, accompany pathologists to court, and discuss the legal aspects of forensic pathology with pathologists and investigators.
Length of Clerkship: 2 weeks
Links to Core Competencies/Educational Course Objectives: At the end of this elective, the student will be able to:
- Explain the process of tissue analysis and post-mortem pathology from grossing examination to slide preparation, examination, and interpretation (EPOs: MK-1, MK-4)
- Describes the gross appearance of various organs. (EPOs: MK-1)
- Discuss the scope of testing offered by postmortem examination. (EPOs: MK-1, MK-4)
- Explain the difference between medico-legal and hospital autopsies. (EPOs: IPC-3)
- Describe the role of forensic pathology in determining the mode of death (accidental, homicide or natural causes). (EPOs: MK-1, MK-4)
- Analyze the principles strengths and limitations of post-mortem pathology. (EPOs: MK-1, MK-4)
- Analyze the components of a death certificate. (EPOs: IPC-2)
- Explain the process of obtaining an autopsy permit for the hospital autopsy. (EPOs: IPC-3)
Professionalism: UT/COM students will meet or exceed the institutional standards for professionalism as stated in the current Educational Program Objectives and the current Educational Course Objectives for the Sponsoring Department.
Instructional Methods:
- Small group – clinical skills (post-mortem examination)
Evaluation Methods:
- Attendance and participation
- Faculty observation of behavior in small groups
- Professionalism assessment
Prerequisites: Medical student must be in good academic standing and have successfully completed all required clerkships
Clerkship Director: Amira Gohara, M.D.
Clerkship Coordinator: Mary Okdie
Phone Number: 419-383-3477
Email: Mary.Hurley@utoledo.edu
Special Requirements: None
ECC Approved
October 2024