A forensic pathologist is a medical doctor that has earned an MD degree from medical school and has completed both a general pathology residency (4-5 years) and a forensic pathology fellowship (1 year). A board certified forensic pathologist is one that has successfully passed both a general pathology board examination and a forensic pathology board examination. These examinations can only be taken after the completion of the necessary training. The approved organization that certifies pathologists is the American Board of Pathology.