About Us

Who We Are…. Innovators who ensure a union of science, medicine, education, business and the justice system.

In 1999, a new brand of forensic education was forged. The Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine is organized exclusively to provide sophisticated education and scientific opportunities in the area of crime and death scene investigation. Its purpose is to strengthen and improve the administration of justice by educating and training forensic scientists, forensic pathologists, law enforcement and legal and medical professionals.

The intellectual capital of VIFSM education, training and research is the sum of the contributions of more than 250 faculty members from around the world.

Funded by both private and public resources, VIFSM is located in the Richmond, Virginia BioTechnology Research Park. It is led by a world renowned Board of Directors who lend their expertise as forensic science, forensic medicine, legal, business and law enforcement leaders:

Chairman of the Board: Robert A. Jensen
Chairman Emeritus: Linda A. Fairstein
President and Chief Operating Officer: Linda P. Carne
Secretary: Maureen E. Casey
Treasurer: Kevin C. McElfresh, Ph.D.
Board Member: Marcella F. Fierro, M.D.

Why We Exist…Meeting the forensic needs of the Commonwealth and Beyond

• Forensic laboratory caseloads outpace the growth of qualified forensic scientists who are adequately prepared to handle the analysis of evidence. VIFSM provides this education.
• Forensic pathology, integral to the justice system, has a shortfall of training opportunities for physicians who are anxious to assist the public safety and criminal justice system. While Virginia has the expertise to train forensic pathologists and medical examiners, the structure to deliver physician forensic education is limited. VIFSM provides this training.
• Justice is dependent upon multi-disciplinary cooperation and the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence. VIFSM presents the knowledge in three-to-five day training seminars, presenting hands-on learning scenarios encompassing a wide variety of forensic topics to a broad professional audience.
• The advanced technology in forensic science and medicine requires careful evaluation and exploration. VIFSM research efforts provide this evaluation.
• Increasingly, the public mines its forensic information from pop culture and entertainment. VIFSM provides a credible source of forensic information to the public as well as to educators, students and parents throughout the Commonwealth and the nation.

Promise of Quality…Exceptional Educational Experiences, Vibrant Faculty, and the Essential Technology Tools of Forensics

Metrics of Success

• VIFSM learning programs are approved by state and national certifying bodies including, American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, Virginia Bar Association, Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, Virginia Funeral Directors Association, Virginia Emergency Medical Services and Pennsylvania Coroner Education Board
• Every VIFSM learning activity is subject to participant evaluation; each presenter is evaluated, as is the whole activity – in excess of 99% respond “Yes” when asked if they would recommend to others
• Web traffic on the website has grown 25% from 2004 to 2005.

From Media and Publications

• “…Virginia Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine, a private nonprofit that is emerging as a model of forensic education.”---------Virginia Teaches Technology to the World, Virginia Business Magazine, November 2005
• “…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.”------ Private, Public Mix in Forensic Science, Richmond Times Dispatch

Alumni Testimonials and Comments

• “I have been in law enforcement for almost 10 years now. I have been to a lot of training. This training eclipsed them all. Outstanding.” -------Law Enforcement 5 + years experience
• “Great training. Best format I’ve experienced in legal medical seminars.” ------Prosecutor 15 + years
• “I will definitely recommend this to others.”------Forensic Nurse, 5 + years
• “Materials were advanced enough that I was learning new information, but not too advanced. It was at the perfect level for me.” --------Criminology Graduate Student
• “Excellent – I love case presentations as a means to enhance learning!” ------Emergency Room Nurse, 10 + years