Every time there's an increase in crime rate, the government of the day makes a public announcement about forensic scholarships being offered.However, many times when you look on the scholarships website or visit the offices, the staff there have no idea about it.
Now, don't get me wrong: sometimes scholarships are offered, but these are... how to say... questionable.
The route to become a certified forensic pathologist varies slightly from country to country, but according to UK and US standards, it requires at least four to five years of training after med school.Let me break it down: you firstly must be a board-registered medical doctor; then do three to four years of residency in anatomical/clinical pathology (US) or histopathology (UK); then get registered in that field.
Only after this, can you do a one-to two-year fellowship in forensic pathology, and then register as a forensic pathologist. So that's ten to 15 years in all. The truth is that there is a worldwide deficiency of pathologists of every kind. More are retiring yearly than the number being qualified.
It's good that the Government is trying to train our own citizens, but many times what the Government is offering will only qualify you to be an assistant, or something along that line–but not a forensic pathologist. This will lead to cases not being able to "hold up" in court and criminals being released. One-and-a-half to three years of training is not the same as four to five years.They're in fact setting up themselves for bigger problems in the near future.
A lot of hard work, endurance, finances and studies are required, and not many people are willing or able to go through with it.The sad thing is the few who are, get so many problems from the Government to get assistance. I've been dreaming of becoming a forensic pathologist since age 14. I've had two years OJT experience in the pathology department of the Forensic Science Centre under the supervision of Dr Des Vignes, Dr Burris and Dr Alexandrov. Despite the challenges, I know this is definitely the career for me.
The people and organisations from whom I expected assistance did not pull through, but God has provided.I want to thank those who supported me in whatever way they could, and those whose words of encouragement always came at the right time.I want to especially thank the executive of Birdsong Steel Orchestra, without whom I would not have made it this far through medical school.
At the end of the day, I have to do what I have to do, and not sit on my rump waiting for handouts. As the "ole" people does say: I have to "Get up and get, oui!"
A Wallace
via e-mail