Opinion: The shortage of forensic pathologists is hurting justice, public health, and families

By Gregory McDonaldJuly 13, 2026 McDonald is the chair of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Across the United States, the shortage of forensic pathologists has reached a critical level. According to the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), only about 850 forensic pathologists are currently practicing nationwide — roughly 400 fewer than the number needed to meet today’s demands, as more than 3 million Americans die each year. With the increased demand for autopsies and medicolegal death investigations, many states are facing delays in cases that impact justice and public health. In some regions, a single medical examiner may oversee hundreds of deaths each year, leading to bottlenecks that can slow criminal cases,