Landspitali - University Hospital
Specialization in forensic medicine
Table of contents
Stucture and progress assessment
Structure
The specialist training is primarily based of:
Death investigations – performing forensic autopsies, issuing reports, microscopic examination of tissue samples, and writing autopsy reports with a primary focus on the interpretative part, which should be clear and transparent.
Examination of Living Individuals: At the request of the police or the District Attorney, regarding the documentation and interpretation of injuries, followed by the writing of an expert report, with a primary focus on the interpretative part, which should be clear and transparent.
Evaluation of submitted materials: (texts, photographs, video recordings) in relation to injuries or injury mechanisms, interpretation thereof, and preparation of an expert opinion with a primary focus on the interpretative part, which should be clear and transparent.
Other practical components include:
Receiving Samples: Considered to be human bone or other tissue, and assessing them.
Visiting Death Scenes: At the request of the police, including assessments of time of death.
Evaluating identification-related questions from the police or the District Prosecutor.
Communication: With the police, prosecutors, relatives, doctors, and other parties in connection with individual cases.
Identification of deceased persons
All of this takes place under the supervision of one or more specialists in forensic medicine.
Regular teaching sessions are held, sometimes in collaboration with the pathology training program, and shorter placements take place with various stakeholders connected to forensic work, such as the Police Technical Department, the District Prosecutor, and forensic toxicologists. The resident is expected to participate in teaching medical students in their 3rd year (autopsy demonstrations) and 6th year (forensic post-mortem examinations).
Educational structure
Teaching sessions for residents: Dedicated teaching sessions for the forensic medicine resident and specialists, often open to pathology residents and specialists depending on the topic. These are held weekly and are delivered by forensic medicine specialists, in the form of lectures, microscope sessions, or in the autopsy room. Attendance is mandatory, and active participation is expected.
Self-study: The resident is expected to undertake self-directed learning, including reading textbooks and scientific articles in forensic medicine. Additional learning materials are available at the Pathology Department.
Placements: The resident will have short observational placements (a few days each) with the following: the Police Technical Department, the District Prosecutor, a court (preferably the district court), the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, and the Police Investigation Division.
Courses and study trips: A resident in a full-year position is entitled to one study trip abroad per academic year. These may relate to general forensic medicine training and/or the resident’s research project. Supervisors assist in selecting conferences/courses appropriate to the resident’s stage of training.
Supervision and Progress Assessment
At the start of the residency, each resident is assigned a supervisor. The supervisor and the resident meet formally once a month, with the resident also having easy access to their supervisor between meetings. The supervisor is responsible for supporting, guiding, overseeing, and ensuring that the resident acquires the knowledge and skills outlined in the curriculum. Monthly meetings review training progress, well-being, and, if needed, specific training advice.
Logbook: Residents maintain a logbook for each academic year, listing the skills and competencies they must acquire and demonstrate by year-end. All completed work is recorded in the logbook, giving residents a clear overview of their progress toward the required training and experience.
Direct Observation of Practical Skills (DOPS): Practical skills—such as performing autopsies, conducting physical examinations, and handling specimens—are directly observed and assessed.
Case-Based Discussions (CBD): The resident reviews cases they are working on with a specialist, discussing practical execution, interpretation, and communication of findings.
Multi-Source Feedback (MSF): Feedback is collected from multiple professional groups within the department, assessing aspects such as professional conduct, teamwork, and communication skills.
Continuous Assessment: Professional skills and knowledge are also evaluated continuously, as daily work involves close collaboration and teaching between residents and specialists.
Annual Assessment Meeting: At the end of each academic year, the program director, supervisor, and head of the Pathology Department meet with the resident to assess training progress, particularly whether the resident has met the set goals and is ready to advance to the next stage of the program.