Read Session 2 Answers

I've been interested in getting into the field of forensic pathology for quite some time. Can you recommend colleges/medical schools that have a good reputation in the way of pathology?
[Dr. Bollinger’s response]
Medical schools with good path programs include Hopkins (if you're interested in academics / research), Vanderbilt, and Boston schools associated with Mass General. Generally, if you're med school shopping, the big city schools tend to be better because they have a greater variety of cases. However, as in most cases, it's where you get in! During med school, you'll decide what specialties you're interested in and then choosing training programs after that is very important.
 
Forensic path programs tend to change in their reputations as chiefs come and go. Miami and NYC had great programs when I trained and Miami is no longer known to be good. Currently, the best forensic programs are in New Mexico (I think it's the best now), New York and Minnesota.
 
Are there any medical schools/universities with reputable forensic programs that you can recommend in New York City?
[Dr. Bollinger’s response]
Most of the path programs in NYC universities utilize the ME's office in Manhattan for forensic autopsy training. NYU/ Bellevue is next door to the ME's office and many of the MEs are on staff. Cornell also has a good training program.

If you're not interested in the MD route, and enjoy the DNA, toxicology, investigative aspects of forensics, John Jay has several programs and a fine reputation.
 
What is the cost of an autopsy? Are there different fees for private payers, hospitals and criminal investigators?
The cost of an autopsy for private payers can be $2000+ and normally this cost is not covered by insurance.
 
Since autopsies provide information about illnesses and cause of death and can be a learning tool for better medical care, they are generally performed at no charge to the hospital.

The average cost of a forensic autopsy is approximately $1500. The forensic autopsy is performed under the direction of the coroner. Normally, if the death is a criminal matter, this would fall under the jurisdiction of the coroner's office, not law enforcement.
 
Can people manipulate/change their fingerprints?
Only through scarring and mutilation can a fingerprint be manipulated and/or changed.

As Seen on TV/Movie: While it might be possible (anything is 'possible') to manipulate and/or change or replicate another person’s fingerprints, it would be improbable due to the large amount of variables that make up a fingerprint, such as the flexibility of the skin, the amount of pores (about 3,000 on a finger) the fine details of the ridges, etc.
 
Do diabetics, which require frequent finger sticks for blood sugar, have altered fingerprints?
There will only be a significant change in the fingerprint if the finger sticks damage the dermal layer of skin (the lowest level of skin where the friction ridge skin is formed) and the stick is done with a REALLY BIG needle.

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