10 Best Medical Examiner Job Descriptions
Medical Examiner Job summary 1
Under general direction, a Medical Examiner is responsible for performing examinations and autopsies; analyzes and interprets investigation data; signs official documents; testifies in court proceedings; photographs physical evidence; provides medical information on deceased; and performs related duties as required.
Medical Examiner Duties & Responsibilities 1
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Performs external examinations and autopsies and prepares reports on findings
Analyzes and interprets data obtained from firearm and toxicology investigations to determine cause and manner of death
Testifies in local, State and Federal court proceedings as an expert medical witness
Signs official documents such as death certificates
Photographs wounds and other physical evidence
Determines need for odontology and anthropology consultations
Provides medical information to law enforcement agencies, attorneys, judges, other medical professionals, relatives of deceased, news media, District Attorney's Office and the general public
Performs related duties as required
Medical Examiner Requirements & Skills 1
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Doctor of Medicine Degree, and one (1) year experience in Forensic Pathology
Knowledge of forensic external examinations, autopsies and medical/dental examination and identification procedures; knowledge of trauma origin; knowledge of natural diseases
Ability to extract tissue and organ samples; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to communicate effectively with hostile, abusive or irrational individuals; ability to operate autopsy equipment, microscope, camera, Dictaphone, personal computer and basic office equipment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, County employees, Department Heads, outside organizations, the news media and the general public
Must secure and maintain a favorable background investigation and clearance
Must clear a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen test
Must have a valid Medical License
Must have a valid American Board Certification in Anatomic Pathology
Must have a valid American Board Certification in Forensic Pathology or obtain certification within two (2) years of employment
Must have available transportation during entire workday
Must have a valid driver's license
Required to be on call 24 hours a day
May be required to work more than 40 hours during the workweek
The Medical Examiner assists in the investigation of sudden, unnatural, suspicious, or violent deaths; act as a liaison between the Office of the State Medical Examiner and the county medical examiner offices, law and other investigative agencies, families of decedents, and the general public; performs related work as required.
Receives reports of death for autopsy and helps determine if an autopsy is necessary; ensures decedent is properly identified/labeled and notifies the Forensic Pathologist, if necessary.
Collects evidence at the death/crime scene, including medical history, medications, psychological state at the time of deaths, weapons, etc.to help determine cause and manner of death; secures photographs/video of scene, interviews family members, friends and witnesses of the deceased.
Confers with the physician of the deceased to determine previous medical, psychological, or psychiatric history; obtains/reviews medical and dental records of the deceased, investigates reports from outside agencies and assists the Forensic Pathologists with the identification of the deceased.
Locates/notifies next-of-kin or legal representatives of death and provide the basic level of ""at-need"" grief counseling to family members or those closely affected at the death scene; responds to inquiries from family members of the deceased, investigative agencies, the media and the general public; helps facilitate organ donation in applicable cases.
Gathers information to determine whether to accept or decline jurisdiction in cases of death; when jurisdiction is assumed, arrange for labeling and transportation of the body to the medical examiner facility.
Works closely with local, state, and federal investigative agencies and advises law enforcement personnel and county medical examiners regarding death scene investigation and the procedures of the Office of the State Medical Examiner.
Prepares detailed reports analyzing the circumstances of death and pertinent information regarding the deceased; complete any follow-up reports or report addendums as required by the Chief Medical Examiner or Director of Forensic Operations.
Testifies in both civil and criminal courts when subpoenaed.
Maintains proper documentation and chain of custody of evidence, clothing, personal effects, and the deceased individuals while performing investigations.
Licensure as a Registered Nurse in-state by the State Board of Nursing or is in current standings with State as an EMT or equivalent or law enforcement officer.
Must be able to tolerate and work in hazardous environments, handle sights, sounds, and odors in a sometimes stressful environment.
Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Refrains from dishonest behavior.
Works and communications with all clients and customers providing quality professional service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort, attention to detail and commitment by completing assignments efficiently with minimal supervision.
Follows policy, cooperates with supervisors and aligns behavior with the goals of the organization.
Fosters and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, group identity and team spirit throughout the organization.
Exchanges information with individuals or groups effectively by listening and responding appropriately.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of forensic death investigation.
Knowledge of the legal provisions concerning collection and admission of evidence in court.
Knowledge of State laws as they pertain to the state medico legal system.
A Medical Examiner is charged by state statute with directing death investigations involving cases in the public interest, including those affecting the criminal justice and public health systems. Successful applicants will be expected to direct medicolegal death investigations, perform postmortem examinations in compliance with the National Association of Medical Examiners Forensic Autopsy Standards, document findings in narrative reports, take overnight calls from investigations staff, and offer objective consultation and/or court testimony to outside agencies, including criminal court officials and law enforcement.
Performs autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death and documents written reports of findings supported by the medicolegal death investigation
Reviews items related to autopsies such as hospital charts, medicolegal death investigator reports, law enforcement agency reports, and postmortem results
Investigates unnatural deaths by overseeing scene investigations and dictating findings from an autopsy
Serves as an expert witness in depositions, grand jury sessions, trials, and conferences with attorneys
Provides expert witness capabilities for all forensic criminal and civil actions associated with cases investigated and any other forensic needs within Maricopa County
Participates in conferences with family members, law enforcement, attorneys, and other individuals to provide information on investigations and autopsies
Provides training to forensic technicians, investigators, photographers, and other personnel assisting in the medicolegal death investigation
Provides assistance and guidance to the organ donor centers
Participates in regional disaster preparedness
Presents lectures for students, officers, and the general community
With the approval of the Director and the Chief Medical Examiner, provides information to citizens, groups, news media, and the general public as needed
Writes scientific papers and presentations materials
Attends seminars and lectures for continuing education in forensic medicine
Graduation from an approved school of Medicine or Osteopathy
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a current license to practice medicine in the State, as required by the Department of Professional Regulations, by the time of hire
Board certification in anatomic or clinical pathology and forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology within two years of hire
Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid driver's license by the time of hire
The mission of the Medical Examiner is to investigate all deaths in the District that occur as the result of violence (injury), as well as those that occur unexpectedly, without medical attention, in custody or pose a threat to public health. The position is a forensic medicine sub-specialty performing neuropathological investigations necessary in determining cause and manner of death.
Investigates the circumstances of deaths in the District that occur suddenly, unexpectedly or by violence, including homicides, suicides or accidents; of persons whose bodies are to be cremated, or otherwise disposed of so as to be thereafter unavailable for examination; relating to disease which might constitute a threat to public health; including deaths resulting from all types of terrorists activities; and all custodial deaths. Certifies the cause of death and the manner of death; performs acceptable postmortem examinations including autopsies; and completes a written report which is to be completed in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
Incumbent assembles case materials to include all reports, diagrams, charts, photographs and for evidentiary and confirmatory purposes to document the cause and manner of death. The incumbent handles cases reported during evening and night hours and makes decisions regarding jurisdiction and responds to death scenes as needed on a rotational basis. The incumbent provides testimony in U.S. District and Federal Courts, Circuit Courts in neighboring jurisdictions as needed. Handles special projects as defined by the Chief or Deputy Chief Medical Examiner. Implements infection control and surveillance.
Evaluates gross examination and circumstantial data to assess possible injury or diseased areas; plans and performs sectioning of tissues; performs general sectioning survey in nebulous but suspect cases; examines tissue using a light microscope; notes tissue and cellular abnormalities; completes diagrams and prepares written reports detailing the nature and extent of injury or pathology; makes final pathologic diagnosis; discusses final pathologic diagnoses and interpretation of cases with forensic pathologists and toxicologists.
Participates in various pathology conferences such as: Neuropathology Conference, Case Consensus Meeting, and Toxicology Rounds. Provides training to residents, medical students, in forensic neuropathology; discusses principles, theories, and various techniques of neuropathology; conducts special seminars and in-services for medical students and residents; explaining the more subtle nuances of neuropathology; participates in the design and delivery of other educational programs initiated by the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner/Medical Director. Provides relative lectures, presentations, and in participates in forensic pathology symposia and conferences.
Researches current literature regarding the principles, practices, and current developments in neuropathology and forensic pathology in general. Handles special projects as defined the Chief Medical Examiner or Deputy Chief Medical Examiner/Medical Director. Assists in the formulation of standard operating procedures for the forensic pathology unit; participates in the agency's infection control and surveillance program. Provides court testimony in U.S. District and Federal Courts, Circuit Courts in neighboring jurisdictions as needed.
Applicants must have a degree of Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy from a school in the United States or Canada approved by a recognized accrediting body in the year of the applicant's graduation.
Incumbent must have current permanent and unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in the District at the time of start.
The incumbent must be certified in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or be eligible for such certification at the time of hire.
The incumbent must have obtained certification, as proof of completion of sub-specialty training in neuropathology, from a forensic pathology program accredited by the accreditation council on graduate medical education (ACGME) at the time of start, or be board certified or board eligible for neuropathology by the American Board of Pathology at the time of start.
Primary functions of the Medical Examiner position are to investigate the medically relevant circumstances surrounding deaths reported to the Office of the Medical Examiner and prepare written reports documenting the investigative findings. This position will require travel by the employee in the employee's own vehicle.
Under the general supervision of the Chief Medical Examiner and Chief Investigator, investigates and reports the conditions surrounding unexpected, unattended and traumatic violent deaths and performs a variety of routine and complex work for the Medical Examiner.
Respond to scenes of reported deaths and perform a skilled investigation
Maintain availability by pager or telephone during on-call hours
Prepare human remains for transport from a scene
Communicate effectively with emergency personnel and law enforcement investigators in order to obtain accurate and comprehensive information regarding the circumstances surrounding a death
Communicate effectively and compassionately with the decedent's loved ones and other witnesses
Obtain medical history from physicians, medical records, emergency personnel, relatives, witnesses, police and other involved persons
Communicate effectively with Funeral Directors and funeral home personnel
Speak and write in a professional manner; maintain a professional appearance
Submit clear, accurate and objective reports, in a computerized web-based records management system, in a prescribed format in a timely manner for all death investigations
Insure that the next-of-kin is notified of the death
Maintain and upgrade professional knowledge and skills by attending continuing education seminars, training programs and appropriate courses
Minimum of three (3) years of experience in Law enforcement, as a first-responder (e.g. Firefighter, EMT), as a licensed or certified nurse or medical care provider, or have any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Associate's degree in criminal justice, nursing or closely related field from a two-year university, college or technical school. Bachelor's degree preferred.
Must be acquainted and familiar with the Michigan Medical Examiner laws and knowledgeable about which deaths are within the Medical Examiner's jurisdiction and require investigation.
Preferably at least 24 years of age
Must possess a valid State Driver's License without record of suspension or revocation in any state; safe driving record and insurable;
Must possess a computer, have internet access, a cell phone and have reliable transportation to respond to scenes.
We are currently has a great opportunity as an Medical Examiner. The position will assist the Medical Examiner's Office by conducting telephone investigations, referring cases to senior investigators and assisting in scene investigations. Additional duties include and are not limited to removing decedents from scenes, transporting decedents to the morgue or autopsy facility and assisting senior investigators as needed. This is an on-call position. Successful applicants can expect a majority of on-call time to be scheduled on evenings, overnight, weekends and holidays. A minimum of one weekend on-call each month and two holidays on-call per year are required for continued employment. The opportunity to advance within the department and be assigned additional responsibilities is based on consistent superior performance and a demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Investigates deaths in accordance with State Statutes, including evaluating death scenes, examining and preserving evidence, investigating the circumstances of death by obtaining personal data and medical history through records and interviews; and establishes initial assessment of cause and manner of death as natural, suicidal, accidental, or homicidal.
Assists in the identification of decedent, and determines and coordinates proper disposition of the body, including removal and transportation of the body to the morgue.
Assists with notification of death.
Prepares reports documenting the facts and findings of all death investigations and other activities regarding the deceased.
Assists in the collection, preservation, and chain of custody of bodies, criminal and physical evidence, specimens, and property.
Releases bodies and property to the appropriate agency, funeral director, or family member and secures a receipt of the transaction.
Takes photographs of bodies and other evidence at death scenes.
Establishes and maintains effective working and public relations with various local and state law enforcement agencies, federal officers, County departments, medical personnel, funeral service professionals, families, and the public.
Testifies in civil and criminal court cases when necessary.
Responds to reports of death on a 24 hour per day, 7-day per week basis on a scheduled on-call basis.
Performs other duties as assigned, including responding to an emergency event.
Knowledge the State Statutes concerning investigation of deaths.
Knowledge of investigative techniques, principles, and practices used in the determination of cause and manner of death.
Knowledge of the causes and manners of death.
Knowledge of procedures involved in external body examinations and medico-legal autopsies.
Knowledge of medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology especially pertaining to death and varying forms of trauma.
Knowledge of laws and statutes related to the Healthcare Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and medical record confidentiality.
Working knowledge of techniques, methods, and procedures for the handling and preparation of evidence for chain of custody control.
Working knowledge of occupational safety requirements and procedures, especially regarding hazardous materials and blood borne pathogens.
Ability to secure facts through objective, independent, and thorough investigations; identify and interpret evidence; analyze data; and make appropriate determinations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working and public relationships; and to communicate effectively and deal compassionately with grieving family members.
Ability to take proper photographs of scene, body and evidence for documentation.
Ability to prepare, present, and maintain accurate, objective, and thorough reports and records.
Ability to move and transfer human bodies of various weights and insuring preservation of any trace evidence.
Able to fulfill physical demands of job including regularly lifting 100 pounds, sensory demands (seeing and hearing), and cognitive demands (concentration, conceptualization, memorization).
Ability to maintain logs and supplies in an orderly fashion.
Ability to deal with issues of death and dying on a daily basis, often in unpleasant circumstances.
Ability to perform work in the field in varying types of terrain and weather conditions.
Ability to safely drive a County vehicle in the regular performance of duties.
National Registry or Emergency Medical Technician – Paramedic with 2,000 hours of documented field work experience.
An associate's degree from a recognized college in biology or medical science, para-medicine or a closely related field of study with 1,000 hours of documented work experience related to the field of study. Field based work experience is preferred.
The Medical Examiner investigates and/or coordinates the investigation of deaths reported to the Office of the Medical Investigator.
Responds to death scenes, primarily in county, on behalf of the Chief Medical Investigator and conducts investigations to aid in the determination of the cause and manner of death.
Coordinates field data collection, performs data entry and generates reports.
Participates in the training of new field investigators. Interacts with families of deceased individuals.
May be required to work on-call shifts.
Associate's degree in a related field; at least 1 year of experience directly related the to duties and responsibilities specified
Higher education and/or experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified may be interchangeable on a year for year basis
Experience working with law enforcement or emergency responders
Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology
Understanding of first responder procedures and processes
Ability work with internal and external partners
We are seeking a qualified Medical Examiner for the Medical Examiner's Office. This individual will investigate the medically relevant circumstances surrounding deaths reported to the Office of the Medical Examiner and prepare written reports documenting the investigative findings.
Determine whether a death is within the Medical Examiner's jurisdiction and requires an investigation
Prepare human remains for transport
Communicate effectively and compassionately with the decedent's loved ones and other witnesses
Comply with policies and procedures established by the Medical Examiner
Perform other duties as assigned by the Medical Examiner and/or Chief Medical Examiner Investigator
At times may be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids from cadavers outside of department.
Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
All other duties as assigned.
Must reside in one of the counties we serve.
An associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college, university or accredited technical school
An equivalent combination of education and experience
Law enforcement experience of at least three years, or
Medical background
Experience as a first-responder (e.g. Firefighter, EMT)
Achieve ABMDI Registry Certification (basic) within one year of hire, if applicant has previous experience as an investigator and meets minimum requirements to apply for ABMDI Registry Certification (basic), at the time of hire
The Medical Examiner role is to determine, through comprehensive and objective investigation, the cause and manner of death. The Medical Examiner assists the Forensic Pathologist in making that determination by investigating the circumstances of the death, the history of the decedent, and gathering of materials and records upon request of the Forensic Pathologist. The Medical Examiner is also responsible for gathering information necessary to confirm identification of the deceased.
To request and review medical records, related documents and radiographic images
Interview family members of the deceased, members of law enforcement, first responders, and medical professionals
Interact daily with staff and funeral directors
Interact with law enforcement agencies or meet with families of the deceased to confirm visual or forensic identification
Travel to funeral homes and crematories to conduct investigations and examinations in order to authorize cremations
Current or previous certification or licensure as an EMT, LPN, RN, or Paramedic
Experience in investigations
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, common medical treatments, therapies and disease processes
Medical Examiner Job summary 10
The purpose of the Medical Examiner classification is to perform specialized work in investigating deaths that occur in County.
Medical Examiner Duties & Responsibilities 10
Receives and reviews notification of death from law enforcement agencies, hospitals or other sources; takes information regarding incident location and other details; determines jurisdiction of death; and maintains related documentation.
Investigates deaths as assigned; conducts investigations of deaths that result from criminal, suspicious, or undetermined causes; coordinates investigation activities with other law enforcement agencies; and manages assigned caseload of investigations.
Secures death scenes; examines body and scene for clues and evidence to determine cause of death; takes photographs; collects, evaluates, and preserves evidence, including biological samples; maintains control and chain-of-custody over physical evidence gathered; ensures proper handling, packing, and transport of evidence; and coordinates transportation of body to morgue or funeral home.
Conducts interviews with witnesses, law enforcement, medical personnel, and family members; gathers information regarding personal histories, including medical and social histories; takes statements; and verifies truth/accuracy of statements.
Documents all investigative information; prepares detailed case reports and records; generates investigative summaries; and subpoenas police reports and medical records as needed.
Locates and notifies next of kin; conducts research utilizing law enforcement records, hospital records, fingerprints, Social Security records, Internet, etc.; advises family of death; and assists with funeral services, County burial, obtaining death certificates, or other details as needed.
Performs customer service functions in person and by telephone; provides information or assistance regarding department services, activities, forms, procedures, fees, or other issues; responds to routine questions and complaints; researches problems and initiates problem resolution; and refers complaints/problems to appropriate personnel.
Medical Examiner Requirements & Skills 10
High school diploma or GED; two years of law enforcement experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license; must possess and maintain Basic Law Enforcement certification.
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