Careers

Written by Dr. D. Rao

 

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the vacant post of Director, Legal Medicine (MDG/MO5) in the Legal Medicine Unit with salary range J$2,960,563 – J$3,519,179 and any other allowances.


Forensic Pathologists:

The Director is responsible for providing professional support to the Police Crime Investigation Team, in carrying out forensic pathology investigations, which involves autopsies, examinations, evidence gathering, analyses, consultation and expert opinion. The Director will be required to carry out the following duties: 

 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities

  1. Directs and manages the Legal Medicine Unit delivery of Forensic scene investigations, medico-legal examinations and autopsies, ensuring quality, standardized and timely analyses and reports.
  2. Oversees the strategic analysis of forensic science in supporting criminal investigations.
  3. Oversees exhumations and analytical studies of dead bodies/skeletal in assisting criminal investigations.
  4. Conducts medico-legal Autopsy examination, Crime Scene investigations and attend Courts, in order to establish justification of investigation.
  5. Provides professional consultations, giving expert opinions on crime cases to assist investigations.
  6. Research, implement and guide modern examination methods and analysis to inform crime cases.
  7. Conducts internal/external training, lectures, seminars and workshops in forensic pathology modern methodology and techniques.
  8. Review, Sexual offences, Child Abuse and Toxicology investigations.
  9. Oversees the use and storage of evidences, samples and specimens on crime cases, to ensure adherence to standards and procedures.
  10. Oversees the effective management of the Unit’s data and documents on crime cases for permanent records.
  11. Research and implement possible reconstruction techniques of what took place at the crime scene, to support criminal investigations.
  12. Conducts and monitor publication Research activities in the field of Forensic Pathology.

 

Management /Administrative Responsibilities

  1. Frame and develop the Strategic Plan and Work Plan for the Legal Medicine Unit for implementation.
  2. Assists in the development of the policy, legislative and regulatory guidelines for the delivery of the Country’s Forensic Pathology services.
  3. Coordinates with other investigative agencies (CIB, MIT, FSL, JCF) to facilitate the work of inter-departmental activities.
  4. Maintains the standards of the Medic Legal in the country, on par with the international standards.
  5. Acts as Chief Consultant for all Medico Legal expert work in the country.
  6. Acts as the Representative in all Mortality/Death audits for Hospitals and Ministries.
  7. Assists with Curriculum development for Morgue Attendants, technicians and Forensic Pathologists.

 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

 


Technical Competencies

  1. Knowledge of managerial leadership, developing clear expectations, and methods of reviewing staff progress.
  2. Ability to enhance local Forensic Pathology investigations with recent advances, newer methodologies and strategies.
  3. Extensive knowledge of Forensic Pathology and recent advances in its field.
  4. Knowledge of evidence rules and court procedures, crime scene evaluation and the Jamaican laws.
  5. Knowledge of the laws and regulations of the Jamaica Constabulary Force
  6. Expert knowledge of principles and practices of modern medicine, specialized techniques, procedures and equipment used in pathology.
  7. Knowledge of all hospital and service procedures and policies regarding hazardous material management and the use of universal precautions.
  8. Ability to write comprehensive reports with a high degree of accuracy, conciseness and clarity.

 

Core Competencies

  1. Ability to speak clearly and concisely; speak before a large group with varying degrees of knowledge of pathology.
  2. Excellent Analytical Thinking, Problem Solving, Decision-making and team-building skills.
  3. Excellent oral and written communication.
  4. Excellent administrative and interpersonal skills.
  5. Ability to motivate and shape an effective, competent and skilled workforce.
  6. High level of Integrity and Confidentiality.

 

 

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

 

 

  1. MD/PHD/Post Graduate Diploma in the Field of Forensic Pathology/Forensic Medicine.

Higher qualification will be preferred

Must possess at least five (5) years experience in a Recognized centre/Institution

  1. Preferably eight (8) Research Publications in International Journals
  2. Fellowship/Residency training in UK/USA/CANADA will be preferred.

 

Applications accompanied by resumes should be sent to:

Director, Human Resource Management & Administration Ministry of National Security 4th Floor, NCB North Tower 2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5 information@mns.gov.jm No later than May 7, 2012

Forensic Science Education web site

itsgov.com

the above site is found to be a good resource for Forensic Science aspirants-Dr Dinesh Rao


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Career

USA

After high school you'll have to undertake:

  • 4 years of college, to get a bachelors degree
  • 4 years of medical school, to get the doctor of medicine (MD) degree
  • 4 or 5 years of residency (4 for anatomic pathology only, or 5 for combined anatomic/clinical pathology, the latter track being recommended) to become eligible to take the Board exams in pathology
  • 1 or 2 years of forensic pathology fellowship, to be eligible to take the subspecialty Board exam in forensic pathology

INDIA

After Graduation MBBS(Four and Half Years plus one year comnpulsory Internship),the student can choose Forensic Medicine as Specialized training course(Three Year).Graduates can also opt for Diplomate National Board.Admission into  Masters Course is through Entrance Examination in both Government and private Universities or Institutions.


UK Training pathway ...

The Royal College of Pathologists

2 Carlton House Terrace

London SW1Y 5AF

Tel: 020 7451 6700

Fax: 020 7451 6701

Email: info@rcpath.org

Web site: www.rcpath.org


The Royal College will send an information pack on request, detailing career options as a pathologist (albeit in very general terms). They will also send examination information for Part 1 and Part 2 of the College membership exam, the MRCPath. 


The examination structure has recently been changed, and is under further revision. 


It appears, however, that all those interested in forensic pathology can take a Part 1 examination that is slanted towards this subject (after at least 3 years, 2 of which must be in Higher Specialist Training), whilst still retaining core training in general histopathology. This slanted exam is, howvere due to be discontinued imminently. When this has occurred, one will have to take the general pathology Part 1 exam.


The Part 2 examination can be taken in forensic pathology, and this can be taken by those who passed their Part 1 in general histopathology or the slanted forensic pathology examination. Part 2 can be taken after a period of 5 years recognised training including 4 years of Higher Specialist Training.


The number of SHO training posts in histopathology has increased with the advent of the histopathology training schools. However, the bottleneck seems to be in the availability of Home Office approved forensic pathology training posts at the registrar level.


Readers should also be aware of the on-going review of the Coroner's system in England and Wales. There is some considerable support for the introduction of a 'Medical Examiner' style system (as operating in many States in America) - if this suggestion is taken on board, we could perhaps see an increase in the availability of training places capable of preparing histopathologists for full time forensic pathology roles?


Clinical Forensic Medicine

The following information is adapted from the Association of Police Surgeons leaflet entitled 'The Role of the Independent Forensic Physician' (1999).


Most of you will have heard of the term 'Police Surgeon', or in London, 'Forensic Medical Examiner', but not really understand what exactly they are referring to. They are both terms for clinical forensic medicine specialists, or forensic physicians.


Clinical forensic medicine physicians are independent, self-employed and usually contracted to provide services direct to the relevant police authority. These services include providing medical care and forensic assessment of prisoners and suspects in police custody, as well as alleged victims of assault, police officers injured whilst on duty, and certifying life-extinct at scenes of death.


They interpret their findings to the police, and the courts, and must therefore be well versed in court procedures and the workings of the legal system.


Most forensic physicians are part-time (the majority being GPs for the rest of their time), although there are full time forensic physicians in busy metropolitan areas.


Training

The Diploma in Medical Jurisprudence (DMJ) is a postgraduate exam offered by the Society of Apothecaries, and it has 2 separate 'arms' - the clinical and pathological. Those destined to become forensic pathologists take the pathological DMJ, whilst those destined for clinical forensic medicine obviously choose the clinical DMJ.

For more information about becoming a forensic physician, visit the Association of Police Surgeons website. 


Forensic Psychiatry

The following information is adapted from an article that appeared in the British Medical Journal (319:S2-7215 9/10/99) under the title 'Career Focus: Forensic Psychiatry', and written by John Sandford.


Training and Job Opportunities

After qualifying as a doctor, and training as a general psychiatrist (and passing the MRCPsych), there are training posts in forensic psychiatry. Higher professional training in this subject takes 3 years in dedicated forensic posts.


Job prospects are good at the moment, and the specialty is growing all the time, therefore it is envisaged that prospects will improve for some time yet'.


Further information about forensic psychiatry can also be obtained from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.


Foreign Medical Graduates:


Entry into USA

They can opt Forensic Pathology  by first undertaking USMLE and than opting Forensic/Anatomic Pathology Residency and Forensic Pathology  Fellowship programme.


Entry into UK

First you need to register with the General Medical council and Than undergo Basic Histopathology training. MRCP Part I and MRCP Part II in Forensic Pathology.


DMJ

This certificate programme wherein overseas graduate with few years of Medicolegal Experience in recognized institution can under take Examination in two parts.However this has got its own limits regarding job opportunities.


PHD

Many universities offer PHD programmes like Leciester and Edinburgh universities, both part time and full time but the fees are the Factors to decide.


MD

Many universities do offer MD programmes to Overseas student but again the Fees are the decisive factors.

 

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