Evidence Matters

Dr Thomas Mathew, HOD, department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Thrissur on pursuing a career in forensic medicine

Forensic medicine is an area of forensic science dealing with the medico legal aspects of a crime such as an autopsy, post mortem, clinic forensic examination etc. Also called legal medicine or medical jurisprudence, it applies medical science to civil or criminal cases. With
the rising crime rates in the country, it is an interesting field of medicine and forensic experts are very much in demand.

Medical students, who have completed their five year MBBS are eligible to pursue a three year post graduate degree in forensic medicine. While pursuing a career in forensic medicine, one needs to decide and focus on the discipline that you want to pursue like general forensic medicine, forensic psychiatry, behavioural science and toxicology, forensic pathology, forensic anatomy, etc.

Besides the necessary educational qualifications, one must be very observant, have strong communication skills and a keen eye for detail for a successful career in forensic field. Similarly, internships offered will help to gain on the job experience, which is an added advantage.

Forensic medicine offers numerous career prospects in the government as well as private sector. The government sector jobs will be placed in forensic science labs, police department, crime branches, regional forensic science laboratories, narcotics department, etc.  One can also work as medical officers in the forensic medicine departments of hospitals, state health services or with the National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Sciences as a scientist.

Apart from this, one can also get a job as a tutor with a medical college or work as a police surgeon in medical colleges and with the home ministry on medico-legal cases and forensic medical examination.