The shortage of forensic pathologists is hurting justice, public health, and families - Summary - MDSpire

The shortage of forensic pathologists is hurting justice, public health, and families

  • By

  • Gregory McDonald

  • July 13, 2026

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Objective:

To highlight the critical shortage of forensic pathologists in the U.S. and its implications for justice and public health, particularly for families awaiting answers.

Approach:
  • Potential Solutions: Increasing the number of accredited fellowship positions, securing more board-certified pathologists to train the next generation, and offering competitive compensation are essential steps.
Key Findings:
  • The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated existing workforce shortages among forensic pathologists.
  • The opioid epidemic has led to an unprecedented increase in caseloads for medical examiners.
  • Forensic pathology is often overlooked in medical education, leading to a lack of interest among students.
Interpretation:

The shortage of forensic pathologists presents challenges for justice and public health, highlighting the need for systemic changes.

Limitations:
  • The article does not provide specific data on the impact of delays in forensic investigations on justice outcomes, particularly for families.
  • There is limited discussion on the geographical disparities in the availability of forensic pathologists.
Conclusion:

Addressing the shortage of forensic pathologists requires a multifaceted approach involving education, compensation, and systemic investment.

Sources:

Original Source(s)

The shortage of forensic pathologists is hurting justice, public health, and families

  • by Gregory McDonald

  • July 13, 2026

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