In 2019, the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OFPS) celebrated its tenth anniversary. It is apparent that forensic pathology in Ontario has seen more growth and development in the past ten years than ever before. In my view, the main factors that have led to this progress have been: (1) our commitment to the virtuous cycle of ‘service, research and teaching’ as the primary driver for forensic pathology; (2) our creation of a sustainable team of forensic pathologists and others to support medicolegal autopsies across the province; (3) our dedication to continuous systematic quality improvement and openness to oversight from external reviews; and, (4) our leadership in promoting forensic pathology/medicine in Canada and the world.

At this time, I am reflecting on some of the milestones that OFPS has achieved over the past 10 years including:

  • 2008   First Residency Training in Forensic Pathology at University of Toronto and the Provincial Forensic
  • Pathology Unit:
    • 40 Canadian and international fellows have been trained
  • 2009   Register of Pathologists established under the Coroners Act
  • 2010   Coroners Act amendments for ethical practices regarding tissue and organ retention and disposition
  • 2010   Pathology Information Management System (PIMS) implemented
  • 2011   OFPS Molecular Autopsy Program began
  • 2013   Transition to the Forensic Services and Coroners Complex:
    • Forensic imaging (CT, MRI and X-Ray), and the Trillium Gift of Life Network tissue recovery suite
  • 2014   Dr. Michael Pollanen appointed President of the International Association of Forensic Sciences (2014-2017)
  • 2015   G. Raymond Chang Forensic Pathology Fellowship at the University of Toronto:
    • Funding by Chang Foundation allows pathologists from Caribbean and low-income nations to be trained at PFPU.
  • 2015   Memorandum of Understanding between Department of National Defence and OFPS:
    • Formalized the relationship since the 2002 Afghanistan war that has informed the development of personal protective equipment for soldiers
  • 2017   2017 International Association of Forensic Sciences (IAFS 2017) Triennial Conference in Toronto
  • 2018   Bruce McArthur serial killer forensic investigation
  • 2019   Reinvestigations of Indigenous deaths in Thunder Bay

The OFPS has become a world-leading forensic pathology system. We are committed to evidence- and quality-based approaches and have embraced cutting-edge innovations such as postmortem CT imaging and DNA testing in sudden death cases. I believe that the OFPS has a bright future due in large part to our enthusiastic group of young forensic pathologists and staff who are now emerging and developing their careers. Our exciting forensic pathology journey continues, and we welcome the challenges/opportunities ahead.

Michael S. Pollanen, MD PhD FRCPath DMJ (Path) FRCPC Founder, forensic pathology
Chief Forensic Pathologist of Ontario and Deputy Chief Coroner
Professor, Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology, University of Toronto