Maybe you want to learn how to be a doctor in Malaysia after SPM because you intend to be a pathologist. More specifically, you are fascinated by autopsies and the investigation of deaths. Although not necessary in many cases, autopsies are very helpful in properly determining the cause of death when it isn’t clear.
A new or mysterious disease, internal injuries, and suspicious deaths are examples of situations where an autopsy will be necessary. Nowadays, there is non-invasive technology that allows professionals to digitally look at the inside of a deceased person without the need to physically open up the body.
Overall, there are four medical careers that involve performing autopsies. These include a pathologist, medical examiner, coroner and autopsy technician.
A doctor specializing in studying the nature of diseases, their causes and cures is called a pathologist. Collaborating with other medical professionals, their work involves studying samples taken from the body such as fluids and tissues to observe the presence, cause and severity of a disease. They also monitor its progress and its effect upon treatment.
In an autopsy, apart from collecting samples for tests, the pathologist also analyzes results to determine the cause of death or answer additional medical questions. They share their findings with resident physicians and give them advice on improving the treatment of diseases.
The pathologist records and publishes their data and analysis in medical journals.
A medical examiner, also known as a physician, is in charge of determining the cause of deaths through investigations and examinations of a dead body, as well as toxicology tests and other procedures.
A medical examiner uses his medical expertise to analyze the medical history and autopsy of the dead. They are also not required to be pathologists or a specialist in death investigation and may practice any branch of medicine.
The medical examiner also provides relevant information to the police to aid in cases and in court, an expert witness during criminal trials.
A coroner is a professional that investigates and reports a dead body that didn’t die from natural causes such as a violent assault or suicide. Coroners are usually pathologists with years of experience, although some do not require a medical degree at all. Whether they work independently or with a medical examiner, they typically work for the local government and are hired or appointed to their official position.
Besides identifying bodies, and informing its next of kin, the coroner also works with the police in transporting bodies, collecting evidence in crime scenes, obtaining witness statements, writing and issuing death certificates.
An autopsy technician works alongside pathologies, medical examiners and coroners. Aside from assisting their supervisors in performing autopsies, they also take notes of the autopsy process, photograph a body and prepare it for a mortician. They assist in performing tests to further determine the cause of death or be submitted as criminal evidence.
Subjects that are requirements of an autopsy technician are biology, anatomy, forensic science, mortuary science or other related fields.