Program Overview

Forensic Pathology Fellowship

The Medical University of South Carolina offers a one-year fellowship in Forensic Pathology, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program is designed to provide advanced training in forensic pathology, preparing fellows for a lifetime career in this field.

Program Description

The fellowship is offered to one applicant each academic year and is located within a large, 750-bed academic medical center. Fellows will have access to extensive pathology specialist consultants and laboratory resources. Under direct supervision, fellows will perform autopsies and external examinations, including microscopic evaluation of tissues and interpretation of toxicology and other ancillary studies.

• Responsibilities:
  • Perform autopsies and external examinations (200-250)
  • Microscopic evaluation of tissues
  • Interpretation of toxicology and other ancillary studies
• Scene investigations will be performed locally and in nearby counties
• Fellows will have the opportunity to assist in teaching police, coroners, lawyers, medical students, and residents
• Participation in weekly educational conferences is expected
• Fellows will gain medicolegal experience through time spent in the courtroom, pre-trial meetings, and mock court

Eligibility and Requirements

Candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited Anatomic Pathology (AP) or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) residency and must be eligible to hold a medical license in South Carolina.

• Salary: Set by University guidelines as PGY5 level
• Benefits:
  • Educational expense fund
  • Three weeks' vacation
  • Educational leave
  • Private office space
  • Use of a laptop computer and microscope

Application Process

The Medical University of South Carolina participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)-sponsored fellowship match for forensic pathology. Applications should be received by January 1st of the year preceding the year of the fellowship.

• Required documents:
  • Standard fellowship application
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Copies of USMLE and/or COMLEX transcripts

Staff and Faculty

The fellowship program is led by experienced faculty members, including:

• Nicholas I. Batalis, M.D.
• Thomas Beaver, M.D.
• Chad Butler, M.D.
• Angelina Phillips, M.D.
• Susan E. Presnell, M.D.
• Virgina Richards, M.D.
• Ellen C. Riemer, M.D., JD
• Cynthia A. Welsh, M.D.

Fellowship Director

Nicholas I. Batalis, M.D. serves as the Fellowship Director and is a Teaching Scholar in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.