Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marius Florentin Popa | Legal Medicine | Best Paper Award
Teaching Staff at Ovidius University of Constanta, Romania
Dr. Marius Florentin Popa is an experienced forensic physician and academic professional with a long-standing career in both medical practice and higher education. Currently serving as a primary forensic doctor at the Legal Medicine County Service in Constanţa and an associate professor at Ovidius University Constanţa, Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Popa has contributed significantly to forensic science in Romania. With decades of experience in medicolegal examinations and academic mentorship, he combines clinical expertise with a strong foundation in legal and health sciences.
Profile
Education
Dr. Popa’s educational trajectory reflects a multidisciplinary focus. He graduated with a medical degree from Ovidius University Constanţa in 1995 and pursued a PhD in Medical Sciences with research centered on neurocranial structural features and their forensic relevance. His commitment to interdisciplinary knowledge led to further qualifications: a Master’s in Criminal Sciences (2005–2006), a Master’s in Health Services Management (2007–2008), and a Bachelor’s degree in Law (2007–2012). These academic pursuits were undertaken at Ovidius University and UMF “Grigore T. Popa” Iași, aligning clinical acumen with legal and administrative proficiency.
Experience
Dr. Popa has a diverse professional background that spans clinical, educational, and administrative roles. Since 2005, he has held the position of primary forensic doctor at the Constanţa Forensic Medicine Service, managing a broad range of forensic responsibilities including postmortem examinations and legal assessments. In academia, he has steadily progressed from junior assistant to associate professor, teaching forensic medicine at Ovidius University since 1996. He has also served as chief forensic doctor, overseeing procedural standards and document verification, and has played an active role in institutional development through involvement in academic committees, curriculum review boards, and examination panels.
Research Interest
Dr. Popa’s research interests converge at the interface of forensic pathology, medical ethics, and legal responsibility. He is particularly focused on the forensic implications of cranio-cerebral trauma, bioethical dimensions of forensic examinations, and the impact of high-performance medical technologies in laboratory settings. His work also encompasses the integration of genetic analysis and forensic psychiatry into modern legal medicine, with a keen interest in enhancing professional standards through postdoctoral training programs and interdisciplinary studies.
Awards
Throughout his career, Dr. Popa has received various recognitions for his academic and research contributions. Notably, he was awarded a prize for research excellence by the Faculty of Medicine, Constanţa in 2014. He has also been an active participant and organizer of scientific events, including multiple sessions of the Scientific Communications Session and international medical conferences. His leadership roles in organizing academic competitions and contributing to internal regulatory reforms further underscore his professional esteem.
Publication
Dr. Popa has authored and contributed to multiple publications, a selection of which includes:
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Popa, M.F., Oprinca-Muja, L.A., Cristian, A.N., et al. (2025). Understanding Burnout in Forensic Medicine and the Interaction of Job Satisfaction and Unconditional Self-Acceptance: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare, 13(10), 1169.
– Cited by: Not listed yet (recent publication) -
Popa, M.F., Oprinca-Muja, L.A., Cristian, A.N., et al. (2025). Exploring Burnout at the Morgue During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Three-Phase Analysis of Forensic and Pathology Personnel. Healthcare, 13(5), 504.
– Cited by: 1 article -
Popa, M.F., Ștefănescu, C.L., Neculai-Cândea, L.S., et al. (2023). Intelligent Materials for Labeling Dentures in Forensic Dental Identification—A Pilot Study. Applied Sciences, 13(9), 5574.
– Cited by: Not listed -
Popa, M.F., Deacu, M., Enciu, M., et al. (2023). Morphopathological Features Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Infection—A Series of 57 Autopsies. Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología.
– Cited by: 5 articles -
Popa, M.F., Rebeleanu, C., Pricop, S., Neculai-Cândea, L. (2022). Legal Norms Regarding the Assessment of the Ability to Drive Motor Vehicles. Romanian Journal of Legal Medicine, 30(3), 208–210.
– Cited by: Not listed -
Popa, M.F., Mihai, M.L., Deacu, S., et al. (2022). Electrofishing Electrocution: Case Study in Forensic Medicine. Romanian Journal of Legal Medicine, 30(2), 93–99.
– Cited by: 1 article -
Popa, M.F., Deacu, S., Neculai-Cândea, L., et al. (2021). Vascular Adhesive Peptide-1 (VAP-1) Expression in Wounds—A New Vital Reaction Marker. Romanian Journal of Legal Medicine, 29(4), 347–351.
– Cited by: 4 articles
Conclusion
Dr. Marius Florentin Popa exemplifies a well-rounded professional in the field of forensic medicine, bridging clinical practice, legal scholarship, and academic mentorship. His extensive contributions to forensic science, commitment to education, and interdisciplinary approach underscore his stature in Romanian medical and academic circles. Through ongoing research and institutional service, he continues to influence the evolution of forensic medicine both nationally and internationally.