Forensic Pathology Advanced Training Grant

Donations made to the 2024 Forensic Pathology Advanced Training Grant are dedicated to the memory of Beth Frost, DO, FCAP, a leader and champion in the field of forensic pathology.

Overview

Most are aware of the current physician shortage which also impacts the field of pathology.  Covid and the opioid crisis have further highlighted the need for forensic pathologists. It is essential for the future generation of pathologists to have a working knowledge and understanding of both the role and challenges in the field of forensic pathology in order to support the specialty and recognize and meet public health needs with regard to forensic casework in all areas of medicine and science.

With support from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), and the NAME Foundation, this grant offers CAP Junior Members, an introduction to forensic pathology via a four-week away rotation at an ACGME Accredited Forensic Fellowship Training Program, providing pathology residents:

•Hands-on experience in forensic pathology.

•Instruction and training in forensic pathology.

•Working knowledge of the benefits and challenges of forensic pathology.

•Experience with the use and interpretation of forensic pathology as it pertains to death investigation and certification.

•Mentorship to pursue a career in forensic pathology.

This training will take place in 2025; awardee and host site to schedule a mutually agreeable four-week training rotation. The awardee must use the funds in the year that they are bestowed, that means the rotation must take place by December 31, 2025.

See list of participating sites (ACGME Accredited Forensic Fellowship Training Programs) to include any special requirements or considerations for the applicant to be aware of when indicating their site rotation choice.  Note that the awardee may be required to enter into a memorandum of understanding and/or nondisclosure agreement with the training site.  The selection of the offsite training location to be mutually agreeable between the awardee and the host site.

Eligibility

The award is open to all pathology residents actively enrolled in an accredited US or Canadian pathology residency program. Applicants will be considered regardless of age, race, gender, national origin, or religion.

All applicants must have completed their first year of either AP or AP/CP residency at time of application.

Candidates with a strong interest in forensic pathology who do not have access to an ACGME Accredited Forensic Fellowship Training Program within 50 miles of their residency training institution will be prioritized. 

Award Amount

Funding up to $5,000 is available to support eligible travel and living expenses during the four-week training period. Awardees and/or their residency programs would need to cover any travel costs that exceed the amount awarded.

We expect the recipient’s own pathology residency institution to support the resident’s attendance by authorizing permission to participate. If expenses exceed the award amount, the resident may seek his/her own travel funds or department funds to cover the balance of expenses.

Selection Process

The CAP Foundation Grants Committee, on behalf of the CAP Foundation Board of Directors and in collaboration with the CAP Forensic Pathology Committee, chooses the award recipient based on peer reviews. Factors considered include, but are not limited to:

• Merit of application
• Value of educational experience to the applicant
• Applicant background as it relates to prior exposure/interest in forensic pathology
• Capacity and willingness to share information and experience with colleagues

Award recipient will be announced in December 2024. 

Application deadline: November 12, 2024

To Apply

Submit the following materials, along with your application, by November 12, 2024: 

1. 1. 1. Responses to the the following:
         1. Your interest in forensic pathology and any special items/areas/experiences that you would like the training to include
         2. Why this experience is desired and how it will enhance your training in pathology
         3. Describe any previous experience that will help you fulfill the elective’s objectives
         4. Describe how you will use this experience to benefit the practice of pathology and by extension to society
         5. Your plan for sharing your experience and the information learned with colleagues
         6. Explain why you require CAP Foundation financial support and what other means of support are available
      2. Your residency program director’s signature (invite this individual as a collaborator on your application)
      3. A letter of recommendation and documentation from your residency program director confirming that your salary and benefits will be supported during the award period
      4. Curriculum vitae
      5. Professional headshot for use in Foundation web and print media (Requirements: 1+ megabyte, color, professional dress, neutral background; no selfies please)