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.

The United States is currently suffering from a physician shortage, which also impacts the field of pathology. COVID-19 and the opioid crisis have further highlighted the need for forensic pathologists. The future generation of pathologists must have a working knowledge and understanding of both the role and the challenges in the field of forensic pathology 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, the National Association of Medical Examiners, and the NAME Foundation, this grant offers CAP Junior Members an introduction to forensic pathology via a four-week away rotation at a medical examiner (ME)/coroner office, providing pathology residents the opportunity to:

• Obtain hands-on experience in forensic pathology.
• Receive instruction and training in forensic pathology.
• Gain a working knowledge of the benefits and challenges of forensic pathology.
• Obtain experience with the use and interpretation of forensic pathology as it pertains to death investigation and certification.
• Consider pursuing a career in forensic pathology.

This training will take place in 2024; awardee and host site to schedule a mutually agreeable four-week training rotation. The awardee must use the funds in the year they are bestowed, meaning the rotation must take place by December 31, 2024.

Interested parties can consult a list of participating ME sites, which includes 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 ME training site. The selection of the offsite training location must be mutually agreed upon between the awardee and the ME office.

Eligibility

The award is open to all CAP Junior Members. All applicants must have completed their first year of either AP or AP/CP residency. Candidates with forensic pathology background and/or interest are prioritized. Applicants will be considered regardless of age, race, gender, national origin, or religion.

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 May 2024. 

Award application to open on February 1, 2024.

To Apply

Submit the following materials, along with your application, by April 1, 2024: 

1. 1. 1. Responses to the the following:
         1. Describe your interest in forensic pathology and any special items/areas/experiences that you would like the training to include
         2. Explain 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. Describe 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)

If Selected

Upon completion of this rotation, the awardee is expected to submit the following to the CAP Foundation within 30 days of concluding the experience:

• an expense reimbursement form
• an overview (500–700-word summary) of your experience
• a short evaluation form
• one photo of yourself and one photo of you with the host working together during the rotation

The CAP Foundation may also communicate the bestowing of this award and content from your evaluation form for future promotional purposes with CAP members and donors via the Foundation website, social media channels, newsletter, or annual report.