Pathologist shortage puts strain on investigations - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

A shortage in the people who figure out how someone dies, is putting a strain on our criminal justice system.

 The lack of forensic pathologists in Illinois makes it difficult to get autopsies done following a crime scene.  Without an autopsy, a proper investigation could be on the line.  Winnebago County has two pathologists and easy access to a forensic pathologist.  Smaller counties in the central and southern parts of the state aren't as fortunate.

 Winnebago County Coroner, Sue Fiduccia says she can call a forensic pathologist even on the weekends, but that's not the case elsewhere.

 "They don't have as many deaths; they don't have as much violence as we do so that's why they don't have any available.  There people need 1 or 2 a month, where we're doing 5, sometimes 8 a week.

 Forensic pathologists attend an additional two years of schooling compared to a regular pathologist.