When a loved one dies and the cause is unclear, families often wonder who will look for answers. The doctor who performs an autopsy has a specific title: forensic pathologist. This guide explains what an autopsy doctor does, how they train, and when your family might want to work with one.
The Official Name for an Autopsy Doctor
An autopsy doctor is called a forensic pathologist. This is a medical doctor who specializes in finding out how and why a person died. They examine the body, study medical records, and review lab results to piece together what happened.
Most of their work falls into a few areas:
- Performing autopsies
- Determining the cause of death, meaning the illness or injury that led to it
- Determining the manner of death, such as natural or accidental
- Reviewing records, reports, and photos from an investigation
- Explaining their findings in writing or in court
How an Autopsy Doctor Is Trained
Becoming a forensic pathologist takes many years of training beyond medical school. After earning a medical degree, a doctor completes a residency in pathology, the study of disease. They then complete an additional fellowship focused only on forensic pathology.
Next comes board certification through the American Board of Pathology. Doctors must earn this certification within five years of finishing their fellowship, or that training no longer counts toward qualification. Board certification shows an autopsy doctor has met a demanding national standard of knowledge and skill.
Autopsy Doctor vs. Medical Examiner or Coroner
Families often hear these titles used together, but they are not the same. A medical examiner is usually a doctor appointed to investigate deaths for a county or state. A coroner is often an elected official, and in many areas a coroner does not need medical training. Many forensic pathologists work in medical examiner offices, while others work independently.
At Forensic Pathology Services (FPS), we only work with board-certified forensic pathologists and have 180+ in our network.
Why Families Turn to an Independent Autopsy Doctor
Sometimes a death does not receive an autopsy, or the official findings leave a family with more questions than answers. An independent forensic pathologist has no ties to a government office or hospital. That independence lets them look at the facts with fresh eyes and focus on giving your family clear answers.
An independent pathologist can help in several ways:
- A private autopsy when the official process did not include one
- A second opinion based on existing autopsy reports, records, and photos
- A review of medical records
- Expert testimony in legal matters
To learn what the first step looks like, read our guide on how to get a private autopsy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an autopsy doctor a real doctor?
Yes. Every forensic pathologist holds a medical degree and has completed years of specialized training after medical school.
Can my family hire an autopsy doctor?
Yes. Families can hire an independent forensic pathologist for a private autopsy, a second opinion, or a medical records review.
Do autopsy doctors only work on criminal cases?
No. They look into many kinds of deaths, including sudden or unexplained deaths from natural causes.
You can find more answers on our FAQ page.
Need an Independent Forensic Pathologist?
Forensic Pathology Services (FPS) connects families with more than 180 board-certified forensic pathologists nationwide. We guide you through every step, from the first call to the final report, so you can focus on your family. Contact us here to talk with our team.