Valedictory Lecture Prof. dr. Bela Kubat

"Kruispunten: Waar klinische en forensische pathologie elkaar ontmoeten"

In the Netherlands, clinical and forensic pathology are separated. The question is whether this should be the case and whether it is wise. In the assessment of violent crimes, there are often several aspects involved, such as when the injuries occurred (injury dating) or whether pathological conditions play a role in the death.

Recognizing subtle pathological abnormalities that contribute substantially to death requires knowledge and experience in the field of clinical pathology. The motto of Professor Wellens, a cardiologist at MUMC, "You can't recognize what you don't know" puts this well. In addition, forensic pathology can benefit from modern techniques that are already being used or developed in clinical pathology. For example proteomics, genomics, or RNA sequencing for lesion dating and proof of possible culpability.

Therefore, I contend that even in the future a forensic pathologist should have comprehensive training in clinical pathology.
 

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