Donations made to the 2025 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. 

Forensic Pathology Advanced Training Grant

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 pathology residents, 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.  *This list is subject to change so it is important for applicants to select a first and second training location as requested on the application form.

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 USD 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

On behalf of the CAP Foundation Board of Directors, the CAP Foundation Grant and Programs Committee 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 applicationValue 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

APPLY BY:  November 12, 2024; award recipient will be announced in December 2025

Please include the following with your completed application:

1.  Responses to the following:

a. Why you are interested in forensic pathology

b. How will this experience enhance your training in pathology

d. Describe any previous exposure that will help you fulfill the elective's objectives

e. Describe how you will use this experience to benefit the practice of pathology and by extension to society.

f. Your plan for sharing your experience and the information learned with colleagues

g. 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 (1+ megabyte; color; with or without lab coat; neutral background; the photo you submit to be used in web and print media for award recognition; 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 with receipts, an evaluation and overview (500–700-word summary) of your experience, one photo of yourself and one photo of you with the host working together during the rotation, and a short video testimonial

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.