Forensic Medicine Elective
Preceptor: Alex Williamson, MD
Course Code: 20-01
Coordinator: Nancy Izquierdo, nizquierdo@ocme.nyc.gov
Tel: 212-447-2345
Prerequisites: All Clerkships
Description
This elective will provide an orientation to basic forensic medicine for medical students. Daily activities include observation of large numbers of medicolegal autopsies, review of in-hospital deaths and out of hospital death scenes, participation in departmental conferences, and accompanying forensic pathologists to court when they testify as expert witnesses at criminal trials. Students also will have an opportunity to observe the operation of medical examiner toxicology, forensic biology and molecular genetics laboratories and forensic anthropology.
Objectives of the Elective
To acquaint the senior medical student with forensic pathology and the role of the medical examiner in the evaluation of sudden, unexpected, suspicious and violent deaths. This will include daily observation of forensic autopsies with teaching at the table-side, and follow-up of cases with families, hospital charts, medicolegal investigators, police, attorneys, and review of toxicologic and histopathologic laboratory results.
Key Responsibilities of the student while on Elective
- Students are expected to observe and assist in the autopsy room in the mornings.
- Attendance is expected at morning work rounds, at mid-afternoon teaching conferences, afternoon follow-up rounds and the weekly grand rounds and cardiac/neuropathology conference.
- Attendance is optional at death scene investigation and court-room observation.
Didactic Program
The 60 minute mid-afternoon conferences are specifically directed toward medical students. They encompass a broad range of forensic topics and are presented by medical examiners and other scientific personnel from the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.
Method of Evaluation
Evaluations are based on attendance and participation.
Scheduling Information
Months Offered: Mar-May, Nov-Feb
Report To: Nancy Izquierdo, nizquierdo@ocme.nyc.gov, 520 1st Avenue (corner of 30th Street).
Students Per Period: 2-6
Duration: Four Week
