The DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office and Morehouse School of Medicine recently launched the nation’s first ACGME-accredited forensic pathology fellowship sponsored by a Historically Black College and University.
The fellowship addresses the underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic physicians in forensic pathology, helping ensure death investigations are conducted with cultural competency, scientific excellence and public trust, officials said. DeKalb County and Morehouse School of Medicine are also addressing the national shortage of board-certified forensic pathologists, according to officials.
“This fellowship represents a transformational moment not only for the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office, but for the future of forensic pathology,” Beoncia Loveless, director of operations for the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office, said in a statement. “By partnering with Morehouse School of Medicine, we are helping cultivate the next generation of forensic pathologists while strengthening a workforce that better reflects the diverse communities we serve.”
Dr. Oluwaseun Ogunbona, an M.D. and Ph.D., is the first fellow and started his one-year fellowship in July. His training is focused on medicolegal death investigations — the investigation of unnatural and unexplained deaths — as well as forensic autopsy practice, courtroom testimony and forensic science.
Dr. Oluwaseun Ogunbona
DEKALB COUNTY/PROVIDED
The fellowship aligns with Morehouse School of Medicine’s mission to educate healthcare professionals from historically underserved communities, officials said.
“This opportunity allows me to learn from outstanding forensic pathologists while serving the people of DeKalb County,” Dr. Oluwaseun Ogunbona said. “I hope my journey encourages other aspiring physicians, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to consider forensic pathology as a meaningful career dedicated to science, justice and public service.”
Dr. Gerald T. Gowitt is DeKalb County’s chief medical examiner and director of fellowship training. He praised the partnership between DeKalb County, Morehouse School of Medicine and Forensic Medicine Associates and said it has helped build one of the nation’s leading medical examiners’ offices.
“This fellowship represents a historic milestone for DeKalb County, Morehouse School of Medicine and the future of forensic pathology education,” Gowitt said.
The successful launch of the fellowship reflects the collaborative efforts of the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office, Morehouse School of Medicine, dedicated faculty and staff, and the continued support of DeKalb County leadership.
