Forensic Pathology Fellowship

---

This 12-month training program is designed to prepare individuals for a career in forensic pathology. The fellowship provides primary training at the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner, which is accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners and has academic ties to the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Additional rotations at the Denver Police Department Crime Laboratory and a local forensic toxicology laboratory provide training in DNA/serology, firearms/ballistics, trace evidence, crime scene investigations, latent prints, and drug analysis.

The Denver Office of the Medical Examiner investigates approximately 1,500 deaths each year and performs approximately 1,000 full autopsies and 800 external examinations and/or record reviews annually. The faculty includes at least three AP/CP/FP board-certified pathologists. Support staff includes at least nine medicolegal death investigators and five full-time forensic autopsy technicians.

The fellow will be expected to perform between 200 and 250 autopsies and will be responsible for the final report and death certification process for these cases. In addition, the fellow will communicate with families, law enforcement, attorneys, health professionals, and other interested parties.

The fellow will also participate in community emergency preparedness and various death review processes, provide testimony and expert opinions as available, and participate in resident and medical student education. During the training period, the fellow will develop skills in autopsy procedures, forensic photography, evidence collection, interpretation of postmortem studies, and identification of remains. The fellow is strongly encouraged to present at a national forensic meeting.

Requirements

Applicants must have graduated from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy, be eligible for medical licensure in the State of Colorado, and be board-eligible or board-certified in AP or AP/CP by the start of the fellowship term. An interview is required.

Job offers are contingent upon the verification of credentials and other information required by law and City and County of Denver policies, including completion of a background check that includes a criminal history review.

Stipend

The fellow will be an employee of the City and County of Denver. The salary for this position is currently $100,313.35. Benefits provided by the City and County of Denver meet ACGME requirements.

Applications

For application deadlines and openings, see Fellowship Programs Information .

The program is currently accepting applications for the 2028–2029 academic year. Applicants must submit an application and all required supporting documents through ERAS.

Apply to Fellowships Using ERAS

The program will participate in the NRMP Match. Visit NRMP.org or contact the program director for more information.

Applicants must also submit an application to the City and County of Denver through the Denver Jobs website .

Program Director

Leon Kelly, MD
Denver Office of the Medical Examiner
500 Quivas St.
Denver, CO 80204
[email protected]