Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine Q&A

Published Quarterly by Lifeloom.com	"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." Sir Walter Scott	Winter 2005 Volume II issue 3

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The Virginia Institute for Forensic Science and Medicine

What is VIFSM?

The Virginia Institute for Forensic Science and Medicine is a premier provider of hands-on training in a working forensic environment for aspiring forensic scientists and pathologists. To the nation, VIFSM promotes a Virginia brand of justice forged from the cooperative efficiencies and innovations of its medical examiner system and forensic science laboratories. Over 200 world-renowned faculty, many of which are staff members of the Division of Forensic Science and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, lend their expertise as foremost practitioners of all disciplines of forensic science and medicine. VIFSM offers state-of-the-art post-graduate fellowships as preparation for careers in these forensic disciplines. Through its career training seminars, VIFSM enhances the knowledge and performance of those engaged in violent crime and death investigation.

When was VIFSM started?

Founded in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) organization, the Institute was initially funded through a generous donation from crime novelist Patricia D. Cornwell and matched by the Commonwealth of Virginia. In a rare combination of public and private resources, VIFSM emerged as a leader in innovative education and training. In 2002, VIFSM lost its state matching funding due to major budget cuts in the Commonwealth. Aggressive pursuit of contracts, staff cutbacks and creative cost-saving initiatives enabled VIFSM to continue its mission. Despite these financial challenges, VIFSM was named in 2004 as one of ten national finalists in the Council of State Governments Innovation Award. Additionally, VIFSM has been asked to guide the Commonwealth in Kentucky in establishing a similar educational model, giving testimony to the Kentucky General Assembly in September 2004.

What does VIFSM do?

VIFSM fulfills two missions, both of which are funded from public and private sources:

Fellowships for potential forensic scientists and pathologists, using state of the art equipment and techniques in a rigorous minimum one year education program. Graduates of VIFSM are ready to address national backlogs created by forensic laboratory caseloads (+23%) outpacing the growth (+9%) in qualified forensic staff prepared to handle the evidence. Currently, there are 17 post-graduate Fellows studying in the forensic disciplines of DNA, Firearms, Latents and Drugs

Education and Training programs for all those who interface with violent crime and homicide, including EMTs, Rescue Squad volunteers, Emergency Room physicians, nurses, medical and law enforcement investigators, correctional officers, game wardens, forensic technicians, funeral home directors, attorneys, judges and social workers. These programs promote multi-disciplinary cooperation and the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence from crime scenes and victims, critical to the performance of public safety agencies. More than 5,000 multi-disciplinary professionals have participated in these programs, with significant and increasing numbers of students coming from out-of-state, Europe and Asia, hoping to secure employment in the Commonwealth.

Published Quarterly by Lifeloom.com	"Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." Sir Walter Scott	Winter 2005 Volume II issue 3

W M M New Issue		W M M Archives

The Web Mystery Magazine (ISSN: 1547-9609) is an on-line quarterly journal dedicated to investigating the mysterious genre in print, in film, and in real-life. The Web welcomes well-researched, well-written articles and reviews. Writers are invited to send letters and inquiries to editor@lifeloom.com. Copyright 2005, lifeloom.com