Pathology is a medical specialty built around diagnostic laboratory techniques and not a single organ system. Pathologists deal with diagnostic challenges from all organ systems from skin to brain. Correlation of clinical and laboratory data to synthesize a clinically relevant diagnosis or prognosis is at the heart of the specialty.

Review and assessment of medical records is essential to accomplish our goals and so practicing pathologists review medical records daily. Surgical pathology specimens are submitted with a clinical summary critical to the accuracy and relevance of the final diagnosis. Autopsies begin with a chart review and conversation with the attending physician. In each case the final diagnosis is appropriate to the clinical setting and the diagnostic needs of the attending physician.

Thus pathologists are uniquely suited to the needs of legal professionals for critical review of diagnostic difficulties.