Each spring, the forensic pathology community looks forward to the results of the NRMP match, when the next class of fellows discover where they will continue their training. This milestone is more than an assignment—it marks the beginning of a transformative year, where physicians sharpen their skills, grow as leaders, and step fully into the role of forensic pathologists.
For the 2025 Match, programs across the country welcomed a new cohort of incoming fellows. These trainees bring diverse backgrounds, unique career goals, and shared dedication to advancing the mission of medicolegal death investigation: providing answers for families, serving public health, and supporting the justice system.
What the Fellowship Year Means
Forensic pathology fellowship is a one-year, immersive experience in the practice of medicolegal autopsies, scene investigation, and courtroom testimony. Fellows perform hundreds of autopsies under supervision, building independence in diagnosis and report writing. They work closely with law enforcement, attorneys, and public health officials, learning to navigate the complex intersection of medicine and the law.
Beyond technical training, fellowship is also a time of mentorship and professional growth. Fellows explore career paths in medical examiner and coroner systems, academic centers, and hybrid practice models. Many also contribute to education, research, and policy development during their fellowship year.
A Pivotal Moment for the Workforce
The forensic pathology workforce shortage remains a critical challenge, with fewer than 750 board-certified forensic pathologists currently practicing in the United States. Each new class of fellows represents not only hope for the profession’s future but also much-needed reinforcements in offices across the country.
By celebrating the incoming fellows, we highlight their commitment to a field that is both demanding and deeply meaningful. Their work in the coming year will directly impact grieving families, criminal investigations, and the health of our communities.
Learning From Their Journeys
Over the next few months, the NAME Learning Platform will feature profiles of the 2025 forensic pathology fellows. These stories will share how each physician discovered the specialty, what inspires them to pursue this career, and the advice they carry forward for medical students and residents considering forensic pathology.
We invite you to follow along as we welcome the 2025 fellows into this small but vital specialty. Their paths remind us that forensic pathology is not only about answering the question of how someone died—it is about bringing truth, service, and humanity to every case.
