Forensic pathology may not be on most high school students’ radar—but it should be. The intersection of medicine, science, and the law is not only intellectually fascinating, it’s also a crucial field that impacts public health, criminal justice, and families during their most vulnerable moments. If you’re a forensic pathologist, resident, or medical student with an interest in outreach, here’s how you can bring this specialty to life for the next generation.

1. Start With the Why

High school students are more likely to engage when they understand the real-world impact of forensic pathology. Begin by explaining:

  • How forensic pathologists help determine cause and manner of death.
  • The role they play in public health, such as identifying overdose trends or infectious disease outbreaks.
  • How their work intersects with justice and provides closure to families.

Tip: Use real-life (anonymous and respectful) cases or well-known examples to illustrate the breadth of the field.

2. Make It Interactive

Students retain more when they’re actively engaged. Consider:

  • Mock autopsy demonstrations using virtual tools or models.
  • Death scene investigation scenarios where students analyze clues.
  • Hands-on activities like fingerprint analysis or time-of-death estimation based on livor and rigor mortis clues.

Even a simple Q&A session where students can ask “gross” or “curious” questions without judgment can go a long way.

3. Collaborate With Schools and STEM Programs

Reach out to science teachers, school counselors, or STEM club advisors. Many schools are eager to expose students to careers in health and forensic sciences but lack connections or resources. Offer to:

  • Speak in a biology or anatomy class.
  • Participate in a career day or health science fair.
  • Host a virtual session if you’re limited by geography.

Bonus: Coordinate with organizations like HOSA (Future Health Professionals) or local science museums for wider reach.

4. Be Honest and Inspiring

Share your own path—what sparked your interest in forensics, the challenges you’ve faced, and why you continue in the field. Many students haven’t met a medical professional, let alone someone in a niche field like forensic pathology. Your presence alone can be a powerful example.

Don’t be afraid to talk about:

  • The importance of empathy in the field.
  • The resilience and dedication required.
  • The collaborative nature of working with law enforcement, families, and public health officials.

5. Leave Resources Behind

Provide students with ways to keep learning:

Websites like the CDC or NAME (National Association of Medical Examiners).
Book or podcast recommendations.
Your email or social media (if appropriate) for follow-up questions or mentorship.

Our Final Thoughts

Outreach to high school students isn’t just about career exploration—it’s about planting the seed of curiosity, humanizing medicine, and building a future workforce that’s diverse, thoughtful, and passionate. Forensic pathology, often misunderstood and underrepresented, has so much to offer. Your voice might just be the one that inspires the next generation.