Department of Health
TRAINING IN FORENSIC PATHOLOGY
 
GOALS
The goal of training is to produce a specialist forensic pathologist who can provide an effective consultative service in forensic medicine, act as an expert witness in Court, train juniors and contribute actively to educational activities.
 
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS NEEDED
•   excellent standards of written and spoken English
•   interest in anatomical pathology
•   good communication, interpersonal and even teaching skills
•   a methodical and analytical approach
•   ability to practise as part of a team as well as autonomously
•   a high level of self-motivation
•   ability to formulate and articulate well-balanced views
•   patience and emotional stability
•   an understanding of aspects of bereavement
•   enjoyment of the scientific basis of medicine
 
DURATION OF TRAINING
Forensic Pathology training is divided into two phases - an initial phase of basic training followed by higher training. Total training time is 6 years, of which not less than 3 years are in basic training.
 
Training may be shortened or otherwise modified in the case of trainees with experience or qualifications in other medical specialties, but all candidates for Fellowship must satisfy the minimum requirement of 3 years' approved experience in the pathology discipline in which specialisation is sought.
 
TWO TRAINING PATHWAYS TO FORESNIC PATHPOOGY PRACTICE
Programme A
•   For trainees who are recruited directly into forensic pathology. All applicants for the training programme must be medical practitioners registered with The Medical Council of Hong Kong.
•   A maximum of 2 years may be credited for experience outside forensic pathology, 1 year towards basic and 1 year towards higher training.
•   These may include clinical experience and/or research in an appropriate field and/or training in other pathology disciplines.
•   Not less than 6 months of training in anatomical pathology and not less than 3 additional months of training in genetics and genomics will be a required part of the 6 years’ training.
 
Programme B
•   For trainees who have completed basic training in anatomical pathology and passed the Membership Examination in Anatomical Pathology of the College.
•   The trainees receive training that is similar to the basic training for those trainees recruited under programme A. In addition they handle the more complicated and "criminal" cases under direct supervision and are trained to provide consultation in forensic medicine to medical and non-medical colleagues.
•   Not less than 3 months of training in genetics and genomics will be a required part of the 6 years' training, but not more than 3 months of such training will be credited towards higher training.
 
CORE OBJECTIVES OF BASIC TRAINING FOR PROGRAMME A
Trainees acquire theoretical knowledge of the basic principles of medico-legal enquiry and the reasons for the form of that enquiry, and develop a working knowledge of the relevant law and legal practice. They are trained in practical medico-legal investigations including:
 
(1)  clinical examinations and investigations with respect to offences against the person and sexual offences.
(2)  examinations at the scene, methods to establish the postmortem interval, preservation of trace evidence and basic principles of forensic science, forensic odontology and other developing forensic specialties.
(3)  coroner's autopsies including those on sudden natural deaths, unnatural and traumatic deaths, deaths due to poisoning and alleged negligence, including histopathology relevant to these conditions.
(4)  specialised autopsy and laboratory investigations including genetics and genomics approaches for genetic disorders, identification including forensic DNA investigation and reconstruction.
(5)  preparation and presentation of reports and statements, communication with law enforcement officers and officers of the Court, and behaviour in conferences and in Court.
 
CORE OBJECTIVES OF HIGHER TRAINING FOR PROGRAMME A
Trainees handle the more complicated and "criminal" cases under direct supervision. They learn to:
 
(1)  apply and integrate knowledge with actual situations and gain expertise in problem-solving, trouble-shooting and management.
(2)  provide consultation in forensic medicine to medical and nonmedical colleagues.
(3)  demonstrate a practical knowledge of the principles and practical aspects of management of a mortuary service.
(4)  articulate best practice for handling victims and survivors of acute crisis and bereavement.
 
CORE OBJECTIVES OF HIGHER TRAINING FOR PROGRAMME B
Trainees acquire theoretical knowledge of the basic principles of medico-legal enquiry and the reasons for the form of that enquiry, and develop a working knowledge of the relevant law and legal practice. They are trained in practical medico-legal investigations including:
 
(1)  clinical examinations and investigations with respect to offences against the person and sexual offences.
(2)  examinations at the scene, methods to establish the postmortem interval, preservation of trace evidence and basic principles of forensic science, forensic odontology and other developing forensic specialties.
(3)  the more complicated and "criminal" Coroner's autopsies.
(4)  specialised autopsy and laboratory techniques including genetics and genomics approaches for genetic disorders, identification including forensic DNA investigation and reconstruction.
(5)  the provision of consultation in forensic medicine to medical and nonmedical colleagues.
(6)  preparation and presentation of reports and statements, communication with law enforcement officers and officers of the Court, and behaviour in conferences and in Court.
 
Trainees will be required to demonstrate a practical knowledge of the principles and practical aspects of management of a mortuary service. They should be able to articulate best practice for handling victims and survivors of acute crisis and bereavement.
 
EXAMINATIONS IN FORENSIC PATHOLOGY
 
Membership Examination Programme A
(1)  A Casebook of 10 cases demonstrating the trainees’ involvement and understanding of the relevant forensic issues.
(2)  Two written papers - one paper includes questions on basic pathological sciences
(3)  Practical consisting of a Coroner’s autopsy with report, conclusions and proposed further investigations. Candidates may also be examined on microscopy, gross specimens and X-rays.
(4)  Oral
 
Membership Examination Programme B
Membership Examination in Anatomical Pathology
 
Fellowship Assessment Programme A
(1)  Casebook of 10 cases with commentaries covering literature reviews, research findings and demonstrating an in-depth advanced understanding of the forensic issues presented.
(2)  An autopsy demonstrating competence for independent practice.
(3)  An extended viva
 
Fellowship Assessment Programme B
(1)  Casebook of 20 cases with commentaries covering literature reviews, research findings and demonstrating an in-depth advanced understanding of the forensic issues presented.
(2)  An autopsy demonstrating competence for independent practice.
(3)  An extended viva