We interview Fellow
Dr Ian Home

Forensic Physician, Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit, Queensland Health
BSc (Hons 1), BMBS, M Forens Med, FACLM


ACLM

Where did you study, and where have you practiced in recent years?

Dr Home





After spending three years doing research work following completion of my Bachelor of Science with Honours at Griffith University I moved to Adelaide where I obtained my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Flinders University in 2000. I returned to Brisbane in 2004 where I spent the next six years working in private Intensive Care.  Then, following several years as a surgical and clinical assistant, I began working in forensic medicine at the Clinical Forensic Medicine Unit in Brisbane in 2013. I completed my Master of Forensic Medicine through Monash University and achieved Fellowship of the ACLM in 2018.

ACLM

What motivated you to study forensic medicine?

Dr Home


I have always been interested in the field of forensics, admittedly primarily through watching shows on television. What started as an unexpected opportunity to try something new became a prospect to find a real career in medicine as a Forensic Physician.

ACLM

Do you specialise in a particular aspect of forensic medicine?

Dr Home



I am fortunate to work where I do because we are exposed to most aspects of forensic medicine including coronial medicine, traffic medicine, toxicology, injury interpretation, adult sexual assault and watch house medicine.  I have a particular interest in fitness to drive, which is an area that has much room for improvement nationally.

ACLM

What challenges and rewards come from your line of work?

Dr Home






Given the varied nature of forensic medicine, the challenges and rewards depend very much on where you work.  As for a lot of us, I was unaware for a long time that Forensic Physicians actually existed.


For those that are curious about working in a field that involves both ‘hands on’ as well as intellectual work, I would suggest giving it a trial period to see if it suits them. Given the variety of areas forensic medicine covers, it would particularly suit clinicians with broad ranging experience.

ACLM

What benefits did you receive from attending ACLM's courses?

Dr Home




The courses are an ideal way to consolidate knowledge and gain a better appreciation of the legal side of forensic medicine.  For those that have not yet had experience giving evidence in court, the Expert Witness program is a great opportunity to appreciate what it is like.  For those of us that have, it is a chance to improve our skills.  The experts running these courses are all highly accomplished in their fields.

ACLM

Is there any aspect of forensic medicine that you would like to see more research and development in the future?

Dr Home


Forensic medicine has received a great deal of scrutiny over recent years.  A greater understanding and consistency as to what we can and cannot say in both statements and when giving expert evidence would not only benefit our profession but assist the legal process.

ACLM

Any further comments you wish to share with the ACLM community?

Dr Home



I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to pursue such a diverse and interesting career. I hope that in the near future the College can achieve specialist recognition in its own right. From there, I can envisage forensic medicine becoming not only a more widely known career pathway but one that attracts more enthusiastic and talented members to the College.