Forensic Pathology 

The residency is 13 blocks (12-months) in duration divided into rotations as follows: 

• One block of Transition to Discipline (TTD) 
• Three blocks of Foundations of Discipline (FOD)
• Six blocks of Core of Discipline (COD)
• Three blocks of Transition to Practice (TTP)

The program includes a diverse set of training experiences, including:

• progressive responsibility in performing autopsies under supervision
• attending scenes of death
• observation of court testimony, coaching on testifying as an expert witness, and 2 mock trials to build confidence and competence in expert testimony and medicolegal communication
• academic half-days, including the National Curriculum Lecture Series and University of Toronto-specific special sessions
• daily rounds, including autopsy case debriefs, small and large group teaching rounds, and postmortem radiology rounds
• graduated on-call responsibilities with staff forensic pathologist backup for management of scenes and issues requiring urgent forensic pathology consultation
• participation in peer review and quality review systems to develop competence in quality assurance, error recognition, and professional accountability
• rotation with the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), including autopsy instruction from subspecialist pediatric pathologists and clinical experience with the Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) team
• field training days with forensic identification services (FIS), forensic anthropology, and forensic entomology experts
• journal clubs focused on critical appraisal of forensic pathology literature
• advanced master class seminar series during the transition-to-practice block
• written, oral, and histology-based examinations mapped to progression milestones
• dedicated session with an experienced clinical psychologist addressing personal resiliency and organizational-level strategies for trauma-exposed workplaces, in addition to a formal wellness committee and regular check-ins with a designated non-evaluative faculty member.

As the only Canadian forensic pathology centre with dedicated postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and magnetic resonance (PMMR) imaging capacity on-site, the University of Toronto Forensic Pathology training program is uniquely positioned to offer an optional intensive postmortem imaging training track that exposes trainees to >300 PMCT interpretations, techniques of radiological identification of the deceased, PMCT consultation for colleagues, and familiarity with the technical operation of CT scanners.

See the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons website for further information regarding forensic pathology training.

Eligibility requirements 

You must have completed residency training in an RCPSC-accredited program in Diagnostic and Clinical Pathology (‘General Pathology’) or Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology (‘Anatomical Pathology’).  

Application process

Deadline for applications: June 30 of the PGY3 year. For example: June 30, 2026 to begin July 1, 2028.

We consider applicants’ prior engagement in forensic pathology as part of the application review. While no specific activities are required, examples of relevant engagement include completing forensic pathology electives or active participation in related research, academic projects, or professional societies.

Send all documentation by email to: lmp.pg@utoronto.ca. 

Documents needed. We may request further documentation based on your individual circumstances. 

1. Completed Application form (PDF)
2. Cover Letter/Personal Statement 
3. Curriculum Vitae 
4. A total of three (3) Standardized Reference Letters (PDF) must be received directly from your selected referees (postgraduate training program, recent employment, or another professional contact). All reference letters must be completed using the Standardized Reference Letter (SRL) template linked. Reference letters received in any other format will be returned with a blank copy of the SRL form for the referee to resubmit. An application will not be considered complete or put forward for Resident Selection Committee review without receipt of the three reference letters in the required format. The template allows the referee to submit directly to the Postgraduate Office (lmp.pg@utoronto.ca).
5. Specialty Certificate from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Diagnostic & Clinical Pathology (‘General Pathology’) or Diagnostic & Molecular Pathology (‘Anatomical Pathology’). If you plan on completing your Specialty training before the session start date of July 1 in the year you are applying, please have a letter of good standing with your expected completion date sent to the LMP Postgraduate Office from your Program Director.