The first institution of forensic medicine in Taiwan was the Classroom of Forensic Medicine of Taihoku (Taipei) Imperial University in 1936. After Taiwan's restoration from Japanese occupation, National Taiwan University College of Medicine set up the Department of Forensic Medicine in 1945, but the Department was closed in 1960. However, after a period of 24 years, the Department of Forensic Medicine was restored in 1984.
"Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine" is set up in 2004, and "Department of Forensic Medicine under National Taiwan University Hospital" is also expected to establish in the future to provide forensic medical services, including clinical identification. In addition, the Institute is emphasizing on the promotion for legislation of "Forensic Physician Law" in order to establish a license system for this profession.
Our Institute's research now is focused on Forensic Pathology and Forensic Toxicology and will expand to Forensic Odontology, Forensic Molecular Biology, and Forensic Psychiatry in the near future. After completing their studies, our graduates can continue to pursue Ph.D. in pathology, toxicology, molecular medicine, or forensic sciences fields. Otherwise, they can work as medical examiners or forensic science staff in different government institutions.
