A Gold Coast Health clinician has become the first Queensland-based doctor to complete a pioneering forensic medicine fellowship through the Royal Australasian College of Pathologists.
Dr Rachel Marr recently earned her Fellowship of the Faculty of Clinical Forensic Medicine (FFCFM RCPA), marking a significant milestone for both her career and the growing specialty in Queensland.
Gold Coast University Hospital is currently the only accredited training site in Queensland for the fellowship program and one of only a handful across Australia.
Originally trained as a general practitioner, Dr Marr relocated from Victoria to the Gold Coast to undertake the specialised training. Her fellowship included placements in death investigation, child protection and toxicology, providing the broad experience required in the field.
Clinical forensic medicine sits at the intersection of healthcare and the legal system, focusing on the examination and treatment of living victims of crime as well as people in custody. Practitioners document injuries, collect DNA and toxicology samples and may provide expert evidence in court proceedings.
Dr Marr said she was drawn to the specialty because it combines scientific knowledge with strong communication skills.
“I’ve always loved the balance between science and communication that this field requires,” she said.
Now formally accredited, Dr Marr hopes to help expand clinical forensic medicine in Queensland by training future specialists and advocating for greater recognition of the discipline across Australia.
Her achievement represents an important step forward for forensic healthcare services in the state.
Image source: goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au