Theodore T. Brown

About Theodore T. Brown

One of the most pressing challenges in pathology today is the ongoing workforce shortage. As Director and Chief Medical Examiner of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, I see this challenge firsthand as we work to recruit and fill open forensic pathology positions. Our subspecialty has only about 800 board-certified forensic pathologists nationwide, yet multiple studies suggest we need nearly twice that number to adequately serve communities and ensure timely, high-quality medicolegal death investigations.

On a recent flight to an ASCP leadership forum, I spoke with a medical student traveling to present a poster at a plastic surgery conference. Our conversation about specialty selection underscored the need to promote pathology in a more patient-focused, team-oriented way to medical students. That exchange inspired a broader vision: to better understand the pipeline of students entering pathology and how we can optimize their education and experiences to strengthen recruitment.

With ASCP leadership, we are beginning work to identify where students who match into pathology come from, analyzing medical school backgrounds, geographic regions, and demographics. By combining surveys, existing data, and input from residency programs, we aim to create a heat map that highlights “hot spots” and “deserts” in pathology recruitment. We will also study the structure, timing, and delivery of pathology education, as well as opportunities for mentorship, research, and clinical exposure. Equally important will be uncovering students’ motivations – when they decide to pursue pathology, what influences those decisions, and which experiences shape their paths.

The culmination of this work will be a Toolkit for Best Practice Pathology Education. This resource will provide evidence-based recommendations for pathologists, medical educators, and administrators, highlighting effective educational strategies, mentorship models, and opportunities for meaningful exposure. By aligning recruitment efforts with the lived experiences and motivations of today’s medical students, we can more effectively attract top talent and ensure the vitality of the pathology workforce.