Guidelines for Reports by Autopsy Pathologists

Traditionally, pathology residents have learned how to write autopsy reports by trial-and-error, with oral feedback from local mentors. Now, pathologists and pathologists in training throughout the English-speaking world have access to a manual that describes what should be in an autopsy report, how to organize the material, and what the purposes are. The book lists numerous bad habits to avoid, and offers examples of effective report construction. It covers not only how to describe diseases and injuries, but also how to formulate and write opinions. As a supplement, the book also contains recommendations on record retention schedules for medical examiners (not everything needs to be saved in perpetuity), and how to formulate opinions for death certificates. The book is aimed at pathologists in training, but will also be of benefit to seasoned pathologists who want to improve their reports.