Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences Program
About This Program
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences (HCIFS), Houston, Texas is located on the Texas Medical Center (TMC) campus and offers - two distinct services for the Harris County community - the Medical Examiner Service and the Crime Laboratory Service. It is accredited by - 7 forensic science accrediting organizations, and a member of the Texas Medical Center since 1983. HCIFS serves Harris County, - the metropolitan Houston area, and six surrounding counties with a population of nearly 5 mi
Program Statistics
Contact Information
Program Director
Darshan Phatak, MD
Harris County Inst of Forensic Sciences
Primary Program Contact
Darshan Phatak, MD
Harris County Inst of Forensic Sciences
Locations
Harris County Inst of Forensic Sciences
Forensic Pathology Pgm
1861 Old Spanish Tail
Houston, TX 77054
1885 Old Spanish Trail
Houston, TX 77054-2098
Application Information
Participates In
Doesn't Participate In
- Main Match of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
- San Francisco Match
- Military Match
- Urology Match
U.S. MD Applicants
IMG Applicants
DO Applicants
Total required letters of recommendation (excludes MSPE and Dean's letter)
Required specialty-specific letters of evaluation within total letters of recommendation
- Letter(s) from someone within the specialty (e.g., faculty, attending)
Medical School Graduation Timeline
Graduation from medical school must have occurred within the past 2 year(s).
Gap Experience Requirement
PGY-1 applicants to this program with a gap of 1 year or more between medical school graduation and entry to residency must have the following experience occur during the gap: Research or other medical education pursuits (clinical experience not required)
Resident / Fellow Characteristics
Three year averages. Medical school type does not include graduates of Canadian schools.
Types of Graduates
Resident Gender
Program Faculty
Faculty Distribution
Work Environment
NA = Not Applicable
NGO = Negotiable
OTH = Other
Visa Status
This program will consider an appropriately qualified applicant with the following visa or visa status. Contact the program for additional information.
Program Size
Key Dates & Timelines
2026 - 2027
Application Due
May 30, 2026
Interview Period Starts
May 1, 2025 - May 30, 2026
2027 - 2028
Application Due
Mar 31, 2027
Interview Period Starts
Jun 1, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026
Average PGY-1 Educational Environment
Employment Policies & Benefits
Educational Benefits
Tracks & Educational Features
Data not provided by program
Evaluations
Medical Insurance Coverage
- Major medical for residents
- Major medical for dependents
- Outpatient mental health
- Inpatient mental health
- Group life insurance
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
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Salary Compensation
PGY-4
Salary paid by a non-profit institution.
Vacation & Sick Days
Residents receive 10 Vacation Days and 10 Sick Days annually to support work-life balance and personal well-being.
For more information, view the program's leave policy on their website.