Forensic Pathology

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If you're a medical student interested in learning more about Pathology, see our section for medical students.

Forensic Pathology Residency Training Program overview

Program length: One year

Session dates: July 1 – June 30

Program structure: Series of mandatory and elective rotations as well as weekly didactic sessions

Evaluation methods: Direct observation, written, slide and oral exams, resident portfolio

Program Director: Dr. Andrew Williams

Accreditation: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Learn more about our training site at The Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit in Toronto

Forensic Pathology is a medical subspecialty of Anatomical Pathology and General Pathology which applies pathologic principles and methodologies to support the medico-legal and judicial systems in determining cause and manner of death, supporting the investigation of circumstances surrounding deaths, and assisting in the interpretation of post-mortem findings of medico-legal significance; these principles may also be applied to injuries in the living.

Training takes place at the Ontario Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit (PFPU), where approximately 6300 autopsies per year are conducted. Cases are mainly from the Greater Toronto Area. The PFPU is the central referral facility for many complex autopsies across the province, including homicides, skeletal remains and suspicious infant and child deaths.

Program structure

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

One block of Transition to Discipline
Three blocks of Foundations of Discipline
Six blocks of Core of Discipline
Three blocks of Transition to Practice

The program consists of four major educational components:

performing autopsies and scene visits
observation of autopsies and court testimony
academic half-days
seminars and special events.

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

How to apply

Eligibility requirements

You must have completed residency training in an RCPSC-accredited program in General Pathology or Anatomical pathology.

Application process

Deadline for applications: June 30 of the PGY3 year. For example: June 30, 2020 to begin July 1, 2022.

It is advisable (but not necessary) to undertake an elective prior to submitting your application.

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

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

Completed Application form (PDF)
Cover Letter/Personal Statement
Curriculum Vitae
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).
Specialty Certificate from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in General Pathology or 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.

Contact us

lmp.pg@utoronto.ca

Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology
Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
1 King's College Circle, Rm 6231,
Toronto ON, M5S 1A8

Fax: 416-978-7361

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The Forensic Pathology training program in Toronto is reimagining the way forensic pathologists are trained for courtroom testimony. The program, led by Dr. Andrew Williams, incorporates mentorship, mock court sessions, and insights from legal experts to better prepare trainees for their roles as expert witnesses, providing them with valuable experience and a comprehensive understanding of the judicial system.

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