Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services :: Annual Report 2010
Annual Report Marking the Anniversary of the Establishment of the OFPS on July 27, 2009
Ontario Forensic Pathology Service - Celebrating Our First Year
Table Of Contents
Chief Forensic Pathologist’s Report
About Us
Our Legislation
Our Governance
Our Structure
- Ontario Forensic Pathology Service
- Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit
- Regional Forensic Pathology Units
- Community Hospitals
Our Partners and Working Relationships
Our Services
Our Activities
- Administration and Operation of the OFPS
- Register of Pathologists
- Supervision and Direction of Pathologists
- Quality Management
- Pediatric Forensic Pathology
- OFPS-Based Education
- Centre for Forensic Science and Medicine
- Molecular Forensic Pathology
- Training of New Forensic Pathologists
- Recruitment of New Forensic Pathologists
- OFPS Overseas
- Forensic Services and Coroner’s Complex
Chief Forensic Pathologist’s Report
It is has been a year of rewarding and welcome growth and development for the OFPS. This year has the first in our new role: the legislatively-defined entity providing medicolegal autopsy services to coroners and other agencies that rely on our opinions to meet their own public commitments (e.g. Crown Attorney’s office, Special Investigations Unit, Children’s Aid Societies).
It has been a year of hard work by all members of the OFPS team. Despite the many challenges ahead, it is valuable to pause for a moment and take stock of our progress so far. Since the completion of the Goudge Inquiry, forensic pathology has ‘come into its own’ in Ontario. Building on our foundations – first as the Forensic Pathology Branch, and then as part of the Office of the Chief Coroner (OCC) – the OFPS has now hit its stride. We have recruited new pathologists and other key staff , created an information management system, improved the quality of various services, reinvigorated our commitment to training and increased financial support for the regional forensic pathology units. These achievements could not be realized without the hard work of our staff and the sense of duty and commitment that reverberates throughout our organization. My deepest thanks to all of our staff – it continues to be a privilege to work with such an accomplished group of people
Our first year as the OFPS has also provided operational challenges. Although our caseload has been stable, efforts to implement the Goudge Report recommendations have placed increased demands on pathologists, technicians and administrative staff. In addition, we have put greater emphasis on specific areas of service provision such as pediatric forensic pathology and sudden unexpected death in police custody. We are also increasingly embracing molecular biology as a new form of ancillary testing that can assist in obscure cases. This year the OFPS renewed and solidified linkages with the University of Toronto in recognition that innovative and reliable service provision in forensic pathology cannot be separated from education and research. The OFPS is the operational home of the University of Toronto’s residency program in forensic pathology. In addition, the university’s Centre for Forensic Science and Medicine provides an important platform for professional and scholarly development. The symbiosis that has developed over the past twelve months will pay huge dividends in the years to come.
The professional expertise that resides in the OFPS continues to be recognized for its excellence and commitment to humanitarian ideals around the world. OFPS Forensic pathologists have been called upon this year to sustain international efforts in Haiti and Jamaica. In Haiti, our pathologists assisted with identification of victims in the aftermath of the earthquake that claimed over 200,000 lives. In Jamaica, our efforts supported the international oversight of autopsies on 73 people who died after government security forces attempted to arrest a notorious drug lord.
What a year for the OFPS. What a privilege it is to contribute to forensic pathology in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
Michael S. Pollanen
Chief Forensic Pathologist for Ontario
Director, Centre for Forensic Science and Medicine
Associate Professor, University of Toronto
About Us
The OFPS provides forensic pathology services under the Coroners Act. The OFPS works closely with the Office of the Chief Coroner to ensure a coordinated and collaborative approach to death investigation in the public interest. Together, the Chief Forensic Pathologist and Chief Coroner provide dual leadership for the death investigation system in Ontario.
Pathologists are the main human resource of the OFPS. Pathologists are specialized medical doctors who have undertaken five years of additional training after medical school in pathology, the study of disease. Forensic pathologists have additional postgraduate training in forensic pathology, the application of medicine and science to legal issues usually in the context of sudden death.
The OFPS performs medicolegal autopsies for death investigations under the legal authority of coroners. Approximately 6,000 medicolegal autopsies are performed each year by pathologists working under the auspices of the OFPS. These autopsies are conducted in Forensic Pathology Units and community hospitals.
Our Vision
A seamless forensic pathology system that fully integrates public service, education and research.
Our Mission
To provide the highest quality forensic pathology service aimed at contributing to the administration of justice, preventing premature death and protecting public safety.
Our Values
The OFPS and the OCC share four core values that speak to our commitment to public service:
Integrity: We remember that the pursuit of truth, honesty and impartiality are the cornerstones of our work.
Responsiveness: We embrace opportunities, change and innovation.
Excellence: We constantly strive towards best practice and best quality.
Accountability: We recognize the importance of our work and will accept responsibility for our actions.
The OFPS encourages the practical application of these core values in casework. This is achieved by embracing an independent and evidence-based approach that emphasizes the importance of thinking objectively in pursuit of truth.
Our Beginnings
The practice of forensic pathology has a long tradition in Ontario dating back to the 1930’s. For much of its history, forensic pathology was administered by the OCC. On July 27, 2009, the OFPS was created by statute in direct response to the Inquiry into Pediatric Forensic Pathology (Goudge Inquiry). Today, forensic pathology in Ontario is overseen and supervised by the Chief
Forensic Pathologist.
In Memoriam
Dr. Frederick Jaffe
August 22, 1920 to October 28, 2009
Distinguished Forensic Pathologist and former Medical Director of the Centre of Forensic Sciences (1966-1968)
Milestones in the Evolution of Forensic Pathology in Ontario
- 1936 - Dr. Edgar Frankish appointed Ontario’s First Provincial Pathologist at the Attorney General’s Laboratory
- 1942 - Dr. William Deadman arranged the system of Regional Pathologists
- 1951 - Dr. Sharpe, pathologist, appointed Medical Director of the Medicolegal Laboratory
- 1961 - Office of the Chief Coroner established
- 1966 - Medico-legal Laboratory renamed the Centre of Forensic Sciences. Dr. Frederick Jaffe appointed Medical Director
- 1972 - Forensic Pathology Branch formed
- 1973 - Dr. John Hillsdon-Smith appointed Provincial Forensic Pathologist
- 1991 - Ontario Paediatric Forensic Pathology Unit (OPFPU) established at the Hospital for Sick Children
- 1992 - Hamilton and Ottawa Regional Forensic Pathology Units established
- 1994 - Dr. David Chiasson appointed Chief Forensic Pathologist
- 2000 - London and Kingston Regional Forensic Pathology Units established
- 2006 - Dr. Michael Pollanen appointed Chief Forensic Pathologist
- 2007 - Inquiry into Pediatric Forensic Pathology (Goudge Inquiry) announced. The honourable Stephen T. Goudge appointed Commissioner
- 2008 - Goudge Report released
- 2009 - Amendments to the Coroners Act (Bill 115)
Our Legislation
The amended Coroners Act defines the roles and responsibilities of pathologists and coroners in death investigation and enhances the quality, organization and accountability of forensic pathology services. The Coroners Act:
- Defines the OFPS as the unified system under which pathologists provide forensic pathology services, including autopsies
- Establishes the position of the Chief Forensic Pathologist and provides for professional autonomy from the Chief Coroner
- Provides for the oversight of forensic pathology services by the Chief Forensic Pathologist
- Outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Chief Forensic Pathologist, Deputy Chief Forensic Pathologist and pathologists
- Requires establishment and maintenance of a registry of pathologists approved to perform medicolegal autopsies
- Requires the Chief Forensic Pathologist to communicate with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) on adverse findings related to competency and professionalism of a registered pathologist
Registered pathologists now have legal authority to attend scenes and to order ancillary tests as required pursuant to their duties under the Act.
Our Governance
The OFPS and the OCC are part of the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and are accountable to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Community Safety. Oversight of the OFPS and the OCC will be provided by the Death Investigation Oversight Council.
Our Structure
Ontario Forensic Pathology Service
Under the Coroners Act, the Chief Forensic Pathologist administers and operates the OFPS. Specifically, the Chief Forensic Pathologist:
- supervises and directs pathologists in the provision of services
- conducts programs for the instruction of pathologists
- prepares, publishes and distributes a code of ethics
- maintains a register of pathologists authorized to provide services
The head office of the OFPS is in downtown Toronto. The OFPS is co-located with the Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit (PFPU) and the OCC to facilitate communication and collaboration. The OFPS and the OCC are supported by a shared administrative service led by a Director of Operations.
Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit
The Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit (PFPU) performs approximately 1,500 autopsies per year and is the central referral facility for many complex autopsies, including homicides, skeletal remains and the violent death of infants and children. The Medical Director and Manager of Forensic Services report to the Chief Forensic Pathologist.
Regional Forensic Pathology Units
Regional Forensic Pathology Units are located in university teaching hospitals in Hamilton, Kingston, London and Ottawa. These units provide regional expertise in forensic pathology for approximately 2,000 routine and complex autopsies including homicides and pediatric cases. The Ministry through the OFPS is improving support to these units through revised service agreements and augmented funding. In addition, a forensic pathologist is located in Sudbury. Consideration is being given to establishing a North Eastern Ontario Forensic Pathology Unit.
Some pediatric autopsies are performed at the Toronto-based Hospital for Sick Children and the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (SickKids) in Ottawa.
Community Hospitals
Pathologists working in community hospitals contribute to the OFPS by conducting routine medicolegal autopsies in their facilities on a fee for service basis.
Our Partners and Working Relationships
Our major partners include: the OCC; municipal and provincial police agencies; the Ontario Fire Marshal; Special Investigations Unit; and, the Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS).
Coroners remain our most important collaborators and stakeholders. The OFPS also collaborates with universities on research, education and training. Furthermore, the OFPS provides services to organizations outside of Ontario such as the Department of National Defence.
Our Services
The OFPS provides a range of services in support of the death investigation and justice systems.
Scene visits
Pathologists sometimes attend scenes to gain necessary information as part of a complete autopsy. In some cases, availability of photographs, video recordings and other imaging techniques replaces the need for a scene visit.
Autopsies
Pathologists conduct autopsies to observe, document and interpret findings to support the determination of cause of death. There are five steps to a medicolegal autopsy:
- Review of case history, scene and circumstances
- External examination
- Internal examination
- Ancillary tests including histology and consultation reports
- Opinion and report writing
Ancillary laboratory procedures and analyses
Pathologists use a wide range of ancillary analyses such as: histology; radiology; cardiovascular, neuropathology, anthropology and odontology consultations; toxicology; and metabolic screening.
Forensic pathology consultations and expert opinions
Forensic pathologists are asked for consultations and expert opinions on complicated and “cold” cases from Ontario, Canada and other countries. These requests may come from police agencies, crown prosecutors and defence attorneys.
Testimony in trials and other hearings
Forensic pathologists testify as expert witnesses at coroner’s inquests, all levels of court and at public inquiries.
Special services
Special services are provided on request to other agencies including international groups and non-governmental organizations. These services may include Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) in cases of multiple fatalities or human rights death investigations.
Our Activities (July 27, 2009-July 27, 2010)
Administration and Operation of the OFPS
Start-up plan for the OFPS
In 2009, a five year plan for the OFPS (Our Plan 2010-2015) was released with two main strategic goals.
The short-term goal of the OFPS is to modernize forensic pathology services to meet new statutory requirements. The longer term focus is on quality assurance, service sustainability and innovation. The OFPS aspires to maintain a leadership role in forensic pathology.
Ten strategic priorities were established within the start-up plan to help meet our goals:
- Implement the Pathologist Register
- Implement a Pathology Information Management System (PIMS)
- Develop stronger quality management processes for the OFPS
- Rejuvenate the Forensic Pathology Units (FPU)
- Redevelop OFPS services in geographic areas that are underserved by pathologists
- Implement new health and safety procedures across the OFPS
- Develop contracts or other agreements with major OFPS clients
- Renew the technical support services of the OFPS
- Develop the molecular autopsy as a core OFPS service
- Train future generations of Canadian forensic pathologists
Forensic Pathology Advisory Committee
The Forensic Pathology Advisory Committee (FPAC) provides direction to the OFPS. This committee includes the directors of the regional forensic pathology units, the President of the Ontario Association of Pathologists and the Chief Coroner. FPAC advises the Chief Forensic Pathologist regarding professional medicolegal autopsy practices.
During the reporting period, FPAC convened three times in Toronto to discuss issues including practice guidelines, pathologist credentialing, organ retention, report turnaround times and new service agreements for Regional Forensic Pathology Units.
Forensic Services Advisory Committee
The Forensic Services Advisory Committee (FSAC) was created to strengthen the objectivity of the OFPS and to improve communication with key external stakeholders such as police, crowns and defense attorneys. This committee provides advice to the Chief Forensic Pathologist to advance the quality and independence of medicolegal autopsies.
During the reporting period, FSAC met twice in Toronto.
Register of Pathologists
Under the Coroners Act, only pathologists who are appropriately credentialed and registered by the OFPS may perform medicolegal autopsies. On the basis of their qualifications, registered pathologists are approved to perform: all medicolegal autopsies including homicides and criminally suspicious cases (Category A pathologists); routine cases only (Category B); or non-suspicious pediatric cases (Category C).
As of July 27, 2010, a total of 171 registered pathologists are active, including 24 Category A pathologists permitted to conduct all types of autopsies. These 24 pathologists are recognized as having additional experience, training and/or certification in forensic pathology.
The Credentialing Subcommittee of FPAC reviews applications and provides advice to the Chief Forensic Pathologist regarding acceptance to the register.
The OFPS Register is available publicly through the Ministry’s website.
The Chief Forensic Pathologist is legislatively obligated to report any registered pathologist to CPSO where there is an issue of professional misconduct or incompetence.
Supervision and Direction of Pathologists
To promote consistent and high quality practices across Ontario and to assist registered pathologists in their work, the OFPS has provided a Practice Manual and Toolkit.
The Practice Manual includes the Code of Ethics, practice guidelines for medicolegal autopsies and explanations of the peer review system and the Register. Together, these documents
provide the professional and policy foundation for the OFPS.
The Code of Ethics was adapted from the Forensic Pathology Section of the Canadian Association of Pathologists.
In October 2009, the OFPS distributed the Pathologist Toolkit on CD-Rom. It contains policies, guidelines and best practices, templates for autopsy reports and injury description as well
as anatomical diagrams. Guidelines for pathologist assistants and a poster on standard autopsy techniques were also distributed.
In addition, the OFPS and OCC released various memoranda addressing a range of operational and administrative matters.
In October 2009, for the purpose of minimizing organ retention, direction was provided to registered pathologists and investigating coroners regarding the need to obtain prior authorization
from the Chief Forensic Pathologist to retain an organ and to fully inform next-of- kin. In June 2010, these requirements were enshrined in a new regulation under the Coroners Act, which
addresses the retention, storage and disposition of organs and tissues.
Category |
Number of Registered Pathologists |
Category A |
24 |
Category B |
142 |
Category C |
5 |
Pathology Information Management System
At present, there is no consolidated information management system for medicolegal autopsies performed in Ontario. In the future, an integrated information management system combining the OFPS and OCC will be developed. In the interim, the OFPS has developed an approach to managing basic information about medicolegal autopsies in Ontario: the Pathology Information Management System (PIMS). PIMS is a database that can track OFPS autopsies. Registered
pathologists submit an electronic record (Postmortem Examination [PME] Record) to the OFPS at the conclusion of every autopsy and these preliminary results are reviewed. This information assists in developing baseline statistics for quality reporting and facilitates performance monitoring and measurement. Submission of the PME Record is over a secure network (Enterprise Attachment Transfer Service or EATS) to protect the privacy of the information.
By October 25, 2009, the PME Record was in use by all Forensic Pathology Units. Implementation of the PME Record by registered pathologists in 54 community hospitals began in the summer of 2010. The PME Record was rolled out to 92 of 174 registered pathologists by July 27, 2010, with the remaining pathologists included by October 1, 2010.
PIMS Autopsy Caseload by Forensic Pathology Unit
Based on PME Record submissions by pathologists working in Forensic Units, the following caseload statistics have been collected beginning with the establishment of PIMS on October 25, 2009 to July 27, 2010:
Unit |
Caseload |
Homicide Cases (%) |
Hamilton |
403 |
2 |
Kingston |
114 |
n/a |
London |
295 |
4 |
Ottawa |
429 |
4 |
Toronto |
895 |
9 |
SickKids |
21 |
n/a |
Sudbury |
149 |
3 |
A breakdown of the cases performed at the PFPU by type follows:
Quality Management
The quality and timeliness of autopsy reports, the main products of the OFPS, are of primary importance.
Quality assurance in the OFPS has several components, including the Pathologist Register and Practice Guidelines. The other components are: autopsy report audit and peer review; and root cause analysis of critical incidents.
Peer Review and Autopsy Report Audit
Copies of all final post-mortem examination reports are now submitted to the OFPS for quality management at the same time they are released to the coroner.
All homicides, criminally suspicious cases and inquest cases are subjected to peer review prior to release of the report. Category A pathologists are required to participate as reviewers on a rotational basis. Between July 27, 2009 and July 27, 2010, 179 reports were peer reviewed.
A new system of auditing routine cases from across the province is being developed. This Quality Audit of autopsy reports will include assessment relative to the following key performance indicators: submission compliance; completeness, validity and turnaround time of the autopsy report; and the number and type of critical incidents. Any critical incident that contributes to a possible significant error in death investigation will be analyzed to determine its root cause and corrective action.
Turnaround times
Timeliness of autopsy reports is a key performance indicator for the OFPS. Turnaround times (TATs) are influenced by case complexity, availability of ancillary test results, pathologist workload and staffing pressures.
Data generated by PIMS will assist the OFPS to track TATs and establish policies regarding reasonable TATs recognizing the needs of stakeholders, including the criminal justice system.
In the interim, the OFPS is focusing on critical backlog reduction and stakeholder management.
In the long term, the OFPS is also working to address systemic barriers to timely autopsy report production.
Pediatric Forensic Pathology
The management of pediatric forensic cases has been improved as a result of the
recommendations of the Goudge Inquiry.
At present, pediatric forensic cases must be performed in FPUs by a qualified forensic pathologist following guidelines for sudden and unexpected deaths of infants and children under the age of five. Some pediatric forensic cases from north-west Ontario are transferred to Winnipeg for autopsy by pathologists registered in Ontario. Non-suspicious cases may be performed at the Hospital for SickKids.
Below, pediatric caseload statistics from the establishment of PIMS on October 25,2009 to July 27, 2010:
Unit |
Caseload (under 5 years of age) |
Hamilton |
31 |
Kingston |
n/a |
London |
29 |
Ottawa |
10 |
Toronto |
61 |
SickKids |
16 |
Sudbury |
1 |
Winnipeg |
0 |
OFPS-Based Education
In-House Professional Development Seminars for Forensic Pathologists
Continuing education seminars are held up to six times per year at the PFPU in Toronto. Forensic pathologists from throughout the province participate by attending and presenting at “rounds”. These rounds qualify as continuing education for MoCOMP for the RCPSC.
The following topics were covered last year:
- Pediatric Sudden Unexpected Death Over the Age of One Year
- Pathologist for the Defence
- Department of National Defence
- Molecular Autopsy: Considerations for the development of a post-mortem genetic testing service
- The Atlanto-Occipital Joint of Neonates
Annual Education Course for Coroners and Pathologists
This annual, two-and-a-half day course is conducted jointly by the OCC and OFPS each autumn. This meeting qualifies as continuing education for MoCOMP for the RCPSC.
Last year’s session was held on October 29 to 31 and was attended by 37 registered pathologists.
A range of topics was covered including:
- Death Investigation in Criminally Suspicious Circumstances
- Electrophysiology of Sudden Cardiac Death
- Organ Donation
- Cause of Death Statements
- Therapeutic Complications and Care Related Issues
- Approach to Isolated Head Injury
Centre for Forensic Science and Medicine at the University of Toronto
The Centre for Forensic Science and Medicine (CFSM) at the University of Toronto (U of T) is an interdisciplinary initiative dedicated to the advancement of teaching and research in the forensic
disciplines at the interfaces of the law and social sciences. The CFSM aims to contribute to the development of knowledge in these fields by drawing together a diverse group of practitioners and scholars. Presently, the Chief Forensic Pathologist holds the position of Director of the CFSM.
The disciplines involved in the CFSM include: law; forensic science; forensic pathology; forensic psychiatry and psychology; forensic anthropology; forensic odontology; and forensic pediatrics. The centre is affiliated with the postgraduate residency and fellowship training in forensic pathology, the Faculties of Medicine and Law and the Forensic Sciences Program at the University of Toronto.
Seminar Series: Current Controversies in Forensic Science & Medicine: Toward Resolution in the 21st Century
This monthly series brings national and international experts to the U of T to discuss controversies in forensics. These seminars are attended by academics, those working in forensic disciplines, legal professionals and law enforcement practitioners. These seminars are also broadcast live over the Internet.
In the last year, the following topics were covered:
- Dr. Patrick Barnes, Professor, Stanford School of Medicine Department of Radiology, Stanford University Medical Center - “Child Abuse - Nonaccidental Injury (NAI): Issues and Controversies in the Era of Evidence-Based Medicine”
- Simon Cole, Associate Professor & Chair Department of Criminology, Law & Society, University of California, Irvine - “Forensics without Uniqueness, Conclusions without Individualization: The New Epistemology of Forensic Identification”
- Dr. John Butt, Principle Consultant & Forensic Pathologist, Pathfinder Forum – “Sudden Death: How it Happened’ – Is the current approach sound enough for reconstructing the end of life?”
- Dr. Noel Woodford, Head of Forensic Pathology Services, Victorian Institute for Forensic Medicine - “Multi-Slice CT Scanning in Forensic Pathology”
- Jim Fraser, Director, Centre for Forensic Science, University of Strathclyde, UK - “Imagination, Rhetoric and Reality in Forensic Science”
- Martin Evison, Director, Forensic Science Program, University of Toronto, Mississauga - “Facial Identification for the Courts: Is it a pseudoscience?”
- Brandon Garrett, Associate Professor of Law, University of Virginia School of Law - “Invalid Forensic Science and Wrongful Convictions”
Annual Educational Conference
On May 13 and 14, 2010, the CFSM held its annual conference, Forensic Medicine and Death Investigation. This conference was attended by medical, legal and law enforcement professionals and addressed the framework for integrating and identifying gaps in medicolegal death investigation and problematic and emergent areas.
Molecular Forensic Pathology
There have been major advances in the understanding of the causes of sudden and unexpected death in the young. This has resulted in the recognition of the sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, which may be caused by genetic mutations. Many of these genetic mutations run in families and cause an increased risk of other family members dying suddenly. On this basis, it is important to identify deaths caused by such mutations, so medical care can be instituted for surviving family members. Such genetic mutations can be identified with new diagnostic tests offered by the techniques of molecular biology, using an approach called the ‘molecular autopsy’.
‘Molecular autopsy’ is an emerging tool that will enable Pathologists to detect genetic causes of death that are often undetectable by traditional means. Identifying these defects allow medical care to be instituted for surviving family members who often share these life threatening mutations.
In early 2010, the OFPS took the first step in developing a molecular autopsy service by completing a feasibility study for service delivery. This study assessed challenges and opportunities in the field through consultations with relevant stakeholders and experts within the
province, as well as internationally recognized leaders in the field.
The resulting report provides eleven recommendations for the development of post-mortem molecular genetic testing services at the OFPS. It envisions a three-stage plan in which laboratory services will be implemented in 2011, with full-scale molecular genetic testing coinciding with the movement of the OFPS to the new facility in 2013.
Commensurate with the complexity of the underlying genetic disorders, this will be a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort partnering pathologists with researchers, clinicians and diagnostic laboratories. Through the fulfilment of this strategic priority, the OFPS will advance our mission to prevent premature death from disease.
Training New Forensic Pathologists
The OFPS, in partnership with the Forensic Pathology Residency Training Program at the University of Toronto, continues to have a strong training program leading to certification in forensic pathology by the RCPSC. This highly successful postgraduate training program is the first and only one in Canada.
In July 2010, two new University of Toronto residents began their training in forensic pathology, Dr. Michelle Sapp and Dr. Mike D’Agostino. In addition, Dr. S. Kodikara has joined the PFPU from Sri Lanka to do an additional year of training in forensic pathology.
Recruitment of New Forensic Pathologists
The capacity of the OFPS has been enhanced through the recent addition of talented new recruits. Since July 2009, Dr. Jeff Tanguay and Dr. Kris Cunningham joined the PFPU, Dr. Elena Tugaleva joined the staff of the London Regional Forensic Pathology Unit and Dr. Michael Pickup was hired by the Hamilton Regional Forensic Pathology Unit. On August 1, 2010, Dr. Charis Kepron joined the team at the PFPU. Drs. Tanguay, Tugaleva, Pickup and Kepron are all graduates of the Forensic Pathology Residency Training Program.
OFPS Overseas
Following the earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, Dr. Pollanen travelled to Haiti as part of an Interpol-led DVI assessment mission. Drs. Cunningham and Tugaleva later took part in a DVI mission to Haiti focused on the repatriation of Canadian nationals.
In May 2010, Dr. Pollanen took part in an international forum sponsored by the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Botswana, Africa, to discuss forensic pathology practice in Africa, current problems and issues.
In June 2010, Dr. Pollanen participated in a United Nations mission to Jamaica involving other international forensic experts to assist the Office of the Public Defender and Ministry of National Security with an independent investigation of 73 civilian deaths during a security forces operation in Kingston in May 2010.
Forensic Services and Coroner’s Complex
The Ministry is moving forward with plans to move the OFPS, OCC and the CFS to the new Forensic Services & Coroner’s Complex (FSCC), currently under construction at Keele Street and Wilson Avenue in Downsview, Ontario. The project was awarded on June 17, 2010 to the consortium, Carillion Secure Solutions, with construction beginning August 2010. Target date
for occupancy is 2013. The new facility will be largest, most state-of-the-art facility of its kind in the world, bringing together all aspects of forensic science and medicine.
Our People
Name: Dr. Michael S. Pollanen Title: Chief Forensic Pathologist Location: Ontario Forensic Pathology Service/ Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit Pre-Med Education: BSc, University of Guelph; PhD, University of Toronto Medical: MD, University of Toronto Pathology: FRCPC, Anatomical Pathology, University of Toronto Forensic Pathology: DMJ, Worshipful Society of Apothecaries |
Name: Dr. David Chiasson Title: Senior Staff Pathologist, Section Head – Autopsy Service Location: Hospital for Sick Children Pre-Med Education: BSc, Dalhousie University Medical: MD, Dalhousie University Pathology: FRCPC and American Board of Pathology – Anatomic Pathology Forensic Pathology: American Board of Pathology |
Name Dr. Kristopher S. Cunningham Title Forensic Pathologist Location Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit Pre-Med Education BSc, University of Western Ontario; PhD, Ohio State University Medical MD, University of Ottawa Pathology FRCPC – Anatomic Pathology, University of Toronto Forensic Pathology Fellowship – Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit |
Name Dr. John Fernandes Title Medical Director and Forensic Pathologist Location Hamilton Forensic Pathology Unit Pre-Med Education BSc, University of Toronto Medical MDCM, McGill University Pathology FRCPC – General Pathology Forensic Pathology Pending Royal College Other FRCSC-Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
Name Dr. Charis Kepron Title Forensic Pathologist Location Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit Pre-Med Education Honours BSc, University of Winnipeg; MSc, U of Manitoba Medical MD, University of Toronto Pathology FRCPC, Anatomical Pathology, University of Toronto Forensic Pathology FRCPC, University of Toronto |
Name Dr. David King Title Forensic Pathologist-Emeritus Location Hamilton Forensic athology Unit Medical MBBS, London University Pathology FRCPC - General Pathology Forensic Pathology DMJ (Path) |
Name Title Location Pathology Forensic Pathology |
Name Dr. Christopher Milroy Title Forensic Pathologist Location Eastern Ontario Forensic Pathology Unit, Ottawa Medical MBChB and MD, University of Liverpool Pathology FRCPath and FRCPC, Anatomical Pathology Forensic Pathology DMJ, Worshipful Society of Apothecaries Law Degree LLB, University of London |
Name Dr. Jacqueline Parai Title Medical Director and Forensic Pathologist Pre-med Education BSc, University of Western Ontario; MSc, University of Toronto Medical MD, University of Ottawa Pathology FRCPC and American Board of Pathology - Anatomical Pathology Forensic Pathology American Board of Pathology |
Name Dr. Michael Pickup Title Forensic Pathologist Location Hamilton Forensic Pathology Unit Pre-med Education BSc, University of Toronto; MSc, University of Toronto Medical MD, University of Toronto Pathology FRCPC, Anatomic Pathology, University of Toronto Forensic Pathology FRCPC, University of Toronto |
Name Title Location Sudbury Regional Hospital Pre-med Education BSc, University of Toronto Medical MC, University of Toronto Pathology FRCPC and American Board of Pathology – Anatomical Pathology Forensic Pathology American Board of Pathology |
Name Dr. Chitra Rao Title Forensic Pathologist Location Hamilton Forensic Pathology Unit Pre-med Education GC advanced level (Sri Lanka) Pre professional (premedical, Madras University India) Medical MBBS, Bihar University, India Pathology FRCPC - General Pathology |
Name Dr. Toby H. Rose Title Medical Director and Forensic Pathologist Location Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit Pre-med Education BSc, University of Saskatchewan Medical MD, University of Saskatchewan Pathology FRCPC and American Board of Pathology - Anatomical Pathology Forensic Pathology American Board of Pathology |
Name Dr. Mike Shkrum Title Medical Director and Forensic Pathologist Location Southwestern Ontario Forensic Pathology Unit, London Pre-med Education BSc, University of Western Ontario Medical MD, University of Western Ontario Pathology FRCPC and American Board of Pathology - Anatomical Pathology Forensic Pathology American Board of Pathology |
Name Dr. Jeff Tanguay Title Forensic Pathologist Pre-med Education Honours BSc, Queens’s University; MSc, Queen’s University Medical MD, University of Western Ontario Pathology FRCPC and American Board of Pathology - Anatomical Pathology, University of Toronto Forensic Pathology FRCPC, University of Toronto |
Name Dr. Elena Tugaleva Title Forensic Pathologist Location London Forensic Pathology Unit Medical MD, Donetsk State Medical University, Ukraine Pathology FRCPC - Anatomic Pathology, University of Western Ontario Forensic Pathology FRCPC, University of Toronto |
Name Dr. Edward (Ted) Tweedie Title Anatomical and Forensic Pathologist Location Southwestern Ontario Forensic Pathology Unit, London Medical MD, University of Western Ontario Pathology FRCPC – Anatomic Pathology |
Name Dr. Michael S. D’Agostino Title Forensic Pathologist Fellow Location Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit Pre-med Education BSc and MBA, Lake Superior State University (Michigan) Medical MD, University of Toronto Pathology FRCPC – General Pathology, University of Toronto |
Name Dr. Sarathchandra Kodikara Title Forensic Pathology Fellow Location Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit Pre-med Education Attorney-at Law, Sri Lanka Law College Medical MBBS, University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka) Forensic Pathology MD, Forensic Medicine, University of Colombo (Sri Lanka) |
Name Dr. Michelle Sapp Title Forensic Pathology Fellow Location Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit Pre-med Education Honours BSc, Saint Francis Xavier University Medical MD, Dalhousie University Pathology FRCPC and American Board of Pathology – Anatomical Pathology, University of Toronto |
Toronto PFPU
Amanda MAINIERO, Forensic Service Technologist
Patrick KIM, Forensic Service Technologist
Elisabeth HAJNAL, Imaging Technologist
Christiane GUILLEMETTE, Histotechnologist
Maritta DE LOS REYES, Laboratory Attendant
Lucy COSTA, Administrative Assistant
Amanda MATTIX, Special Needs Outreach Coordinator
Renato TANEL, Dispatcher/Morgue Attendant
Jason CAMPITELLI, Dispatcher/Morgue Attendant
Brian POWELL, Dispatcher/Morgue Attendant
Debra WELLS, Dispatcher/Morgue Attendant
Tanya HATTON, Dispatcher/Morgue Attendant
Amber DRAKE, Dispatcher/Morgue Attendant
Margaret PICHECA, Dispatcher/Morgue Attendant
Chris MASSABKI, Dispatcher/Morgue Attendant
Graham BELL, Dispatcher/Morgue Attendant
Arlindo COELHO, Dispatcher/Morgue Attendant
Hamilton FPU
John FERNANDES, Medical Director and Forensic Pathologist
Chitra RAO, Forensic Pathologist
David KING, Forensic Pathologist
Michael PICKUP, Forensic Pathologist
Vidhya NAIR, Cardiovascular Pathologist
Ross BARLOW, Forensic Odontologist
John PROVIAS, Neuropathologist
Boleslaw LACH, Neuropathologist
Tracy ROGERS, Forensic Anthropologist
London FPU
Bertha GARCIA, Chief and Chair of Pathology
Michael SHKRUM, Medical Director and Forensic Pathologist
Edward (Ted) TWEEDIE, Forensic Pathologist
Elena TUGALEVA, Forensic Pathologist
Jessica SHEPHERD, Pathologist
Subrata CHAKRABARTI, Pathologist
Helen ETTLER, Pathologist
Nancy CHAN, Pathologist
Manal GABRIL, Pathologist
Bret WEHRLI, Pathologist
Madeleine MOUSSA, Pathologist
David DRIMAN, Pathologist
Aaron HAIG, Pathologist
Jose GOMEZ-LEMUS, Pathologist
Christopher ARMSTRONG, Pathologist
Mariamma JOSEPH, Pathologist
Christopher HOWLETT, Pathologist
Jeremy PARFITT, Pathologist
Kamilia RIZKALLA, Pathologist
Keith KWAN, Pathologist
Alan TUCK, Pathologist
Carolyn MCLEAN, Pathologist
David RAMSAY, Neuropathologist
Robert HAMMOND, Neuropathologist
Lee-Cyn ANG, Neuropathologist
Mike SPENCE, Forensic Anthropologist
Ottawa FPU
Jacqueline PARAI, Medical Director and Forensic Pathologist
Christopher MILROY, Forensic Pathologist
Terence MOYANA, Pathologist
Eric BELANGER, Pathologist
John VEINOT, Cardiac Pathologist
John WOULFE, Neuropathologist
David A. CAMELLATO, Forensic Odontologist
Ottawa Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Jean MICHAUD, Neuropathologist
Elizabeth NIZALIK, Pediatric Pathologist
David GRYNSPAN, Pediatric Pathologist
Joseph DE NANASSY, Pediatric Pathologist
Kingston FPU
Victor TRON, Head of Pathology & Molecular Medicine, Pathologist
John ROSSITER, Medical Director and Neuropathologist
Marosh MANDUCH, Pathologist
Patricia FARMER, Pathologist
Paul MANLEY, Pathologist
David HURLBUT, Pathologist
Jerry CHEN, Pathologist
Christopher DAVIDSON, Pathologist
Tim CHILDS, Pathologist
Alexander BOAG, Pathologist
Samuel LUDWIN, Pathologist
Iain YOUNG, Pathologist
David LEBRUN, Pathologist
Sandip SENGUPTA, Pathologist
SickKids
Glenn TAYLOR, Head of Pathology, Pathologist
David CHIASSON, Medical Director & Forensic Pathologist
Gregory WILSON, Pathologist
William HALLIDAY, Neuropathologist
Cynthia HAWKINS, Neuropathologist
Sudbury
Martin QUEEN, Forensic Pathologist
Silvia GAYTAN-GRAHAM, Neuropathologist
