A university-based forensic pathology practice: The UPM-PGH experience (1996-2000)

ABSTRACT

Forensic Pathology is not a widely recognized field of medicine in the Philippines. Doctors involved in death investigation are often unskilled due to lack of formal training and their work is further hampered by insufficient support and material resources. Upon the authors return in 1995 from post-residency training in forensic pathology at a medical examiners office in the United States, she sought to establish a practice as a specialist based at the University of the Philippines Manila-Philippine General Hospital. This case review is the authors initial experience over the period 1996-2000. The procedures done and problems encountered are described, and recommendations on how the specialty can be professionalized are offered, Included are templates of actual worksheets for the guidance of local doctors doing forensic autopsies. (Author)