Medical Examiner Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a medical examiner. Feel free to use our medical examiner job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a medical examiner.
Who is a Medical Examiner?
Medical Examiners (ME) are doctors who examine the bodies of those who have died violently or suspiciously to find out how and why. Although the requirements for licensure and training vary from one jurisdiction to another, most places require MEs have some experience in pathology and a basic understanding of the law. Although the responsibilities, work environment, and training of a medical examiner differ from those of a coroner, people often combine both.
Many MEs have been trained as forensic pathologists. This means they examine the tissues, organs, and cells of people to determine why or how they died. Even if they can see the cause, such as a head injury from a bullet, they must still evaluate all data to determine the cause of death. The ME will visit the crime scene to examine the body before it’s moved. The ME can see the body in relation to the crime and may notice details that might be overlooked in a laboratory. A medical examiner can assist with rape, blood analysis, DNA evidence analyses, and person examinations to document injuries.
A medical examiner can be called to testify in court about his or her findings. This could include establishing DNA evidence, refuting another expert’s testimony, and testifying about the cause of death. MEs are required to fulfill their legal obligations. They also compile reports based on their examinations about trends in crime or deaths. These reports are used in both national and local medical and demographic studies.
The qualifications required to be a medical examiner are varied, depending on the jurisdiction. A majority of places require at minimum a medical degree. Some require a pathology background. Other places will accept any medical degree from dermatology to obstetrics. To become an ME in some areas, one might need to train at a law school. However, many MEs continue their education even if they are not required to license. Prospective MEs often shadow a working examiner during their education to gain an understanding of the job. After they graduate, they can start working in a clinic or hospital on their own after passing any licensing exams.
Coroners and MEs have different roles and responsibilities. A coroner, who may not have any medical training, is elected almost every time an ME is appointed. One ME may oversee a network that includes doctors who give their time to perform autopsies or examinations in some areas. However, there is no comparable system for coroners. A coroner, unlike an ME, is often able to convene a court to determine the cause of death. They may also be able to hold people in contempt of the court and can often arrest anyone they suspect of murder. A coroner may call upon a ME to examine the bodies and give testimony about his or her findings in cases that have a combined coroner/ME system.
There may be jobs as medical examiners in the federal government, state, or local governments. The county medical examiner’s job involves working on cases in the county where the doctor has been appointed. Similar jobs could be available for city medical examiners. The state medical examiner can work on any case in his or her state and may be called to other jurisdictions that don’t have their medical examiners. Federal government medical examiners may be more involved in high-profile cases or sensitive material.
Most medical examiners work in hospitals or private practice offices. However, not all medical examiners choose to be involved in this field. For those who are not able or unwilling to fulfill the duties of their profession, there are many medical examiner office jobs. Clerical work or the investigation of smaller problems are the main duties of medical examiner office jobs. There are also medical examiner assistant positions available in areas where there is a chief physician.
Medical Examiner Job Description
Below are the medical examiner job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a medical examiner job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The duties and responsibilities of a medical examiner include the following:
- Evaluating bodies, crime scene photos, toxicology reports, lab reports, police reports, and other medical evidence to determine probable causes of death.
- Collecting bodily fluids, photos, and other evidence from the victim and crime scene
- Reporting autopsy findings
- Preparing death certificates
- Notifying law enforcement officials and loved ones of the deceased about autopsy results
- Supervising the body or taking photos
- Taking samples of various bodily fluids
- Performing X-rays or scans of your body if necessary
- Examining the medical history and death certificates
- Testing evidence at the crime scene, including statements of witnesses
- Performing an autopsy to determine whether there are any signs of injury or disease.
- Recording trace and medical evidence was taken from the body to allow for detailed analysis
- Ensuring that evidence collection follows the correct procedures
- Coordinating work with law enforcement operations
- Counselling family members regarding the cause and manner of death
- Conducting inquests, providing witnesses with subpoenas
- Assisting in the examination of criminally charged individuals
- Writing reports about trends and studying them
- Issuing death certificates
Qualifications
GED or high school diploma
A prospective medical examiner must first complete high school and earn a diploma. A majority of colleges accept a GED. Candidates can prepare for and take an exam to obtain this credential. GED or a high school diploma is proof of your education and allows you to move on to higher education.
Bachelor’s degree in pre-medical courses
A person who wishes to become a medical examiner must complete four years of college or high school and obtain a bachelor’s degree. While aspiring medical examiners should consider a pre-med track for their undergraduate studies, you are free to major in any subject, but it is best to choose one in a scientific area. For future medical examiners, common majors are biology, anatomy, and other scientific or medical subjects. You can also earn a Bachelor of Science degree.
Medical school degree
Once you have earned a bachelor’s degree you can apply for medical school. Students must submit materials, such as letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose, to apply for medical school. Medical school applicants must also pass the Medical College Admission Exam (MCAT).
Medical students must take courses that give them the foundation to become doctors, such as anatomy and biology. Even if you are not pursuing a career as a pediatrician, you must complete clinical rotations in various specialties. If you are interested in becoming a medical examiner or forensics, it is worth prioritizing courses that deal with pathology and forensics. A prospective medical examiner may earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.). Or Doctor of Osteopathy, D.O. degree.
Medical license
Employers in the United States require that medical examiners have a license. This can be earned by passing the United States Medical Licensing Exam. After passing the board exams and graduating from medical school, you must pass three tests that comprise the USMLE to receive a medical license. Two of these exams will be taken during medical school, and the third in your first year of residency.
Many states require that medical examiners have a license in the state where they wish to practice. Each state has its requirements, so it is a good idea to look into the state you want to work and live in. Board certification as a medical examiner can help you get a better pay rate and qualify you for advanced fieldwork. The process includes studying preparatory material and passing an exam.
Forensic pathology residency
After completing all requirements, medical school graduates can begin a full-time residency. This residency can last anywhere from three to five years. The residency program teaches you how to be a doctor by working closely with practicing doctors and then performing your medical tasks. There is no residency specifically for medical examiners. However, you might consider a residency program that focuses on forensic pathology to gain hands-on experience with procedures you might perform as a medical examiner. A residency program can also pay physicians and they often get competitive salaries after they have earned a license.
Certification
Board-certified medical examiners are required to be licensed to practice medicine in the state or region they reside. Medical examiners can choose to be certified, although this is not mandatory. However, many organizations prefer certification.
These certifications include:
- Board certification
Before becoming licensed, aspiring medical examiners need to obtain board certification. The American Board of Pathology grants pathology certification to most medical examiners. The board offers primary certification in clinical pathology, anatomic pathology, and combined certification. Before taking the certification exams, applicants must have completed a three- or four-year residency program.
- State license to practice medicine
To practice medicine in their specific area, medical examiners need to also obtain a state license or a district license. This is usually done after the fellowship. Although requirements can vary, applicants should usually be able to show proof of education and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination. The three-part exam tests medical knowledge, principles, concepts, and patient-centered skill.
- Certification for Forensic Pathology
After completing their fellowships, medical examiners may apply for the subspecialty certificate issued by the American Board of Pathology. The certification exam is seven hours long and consists of three parts: written, microscopic, and virtual. This exam tests knowledge about pathology, injury patterns, and toxicology as well as forensic odontology. Every ten years, certified medical examiners are required to continue their education and pass a recertification exam.
- American Board of Medicolegal Dead Investigators (ABMDI), Certification
After accumulating 640 hours of experience in death investigation, medical examiners may apply for basic certification at the ABMDI. The 240-question multiple-choice examination tests applicants’ knowledge about procedures for investigating the death. This includes identifying and conserving evidence and interfacing with family members and government agencies. It also follows legal and ethical guidelines. Medical examiners are now Diplomates of ABMDI after passing the exam. To maintain their certification, Diplomates must show continued competence and participate in continuing education.
- American Board of Medicolegal Dead Investigators Advanced Certification
After obtaining the basic certificate, and having accumulated 4,000 hours of experience in death investigation within the last six years, medical examiners may apply for advanced ABMDI Certification. The 5.5-hour exam tests applicants’ ability to analyze crime scenes using photographs. It also tests their legal knowledge and leadership skills. To maintain their certification, Fellows must show continued competence and education participation.
Essential Skills
The following skills are required by government agencies that employ medical examiners:
- Critical thinking
Medical examiners use their critical thinking skills and analyze evidence to draw the most probable conclusions regarding the cause, time, and other aspects of crime scenes.
- Attention to detail
Medical examiners need to carefully examine crime scenes and bodies. They are meticulous and don’t miss any crucial pieces of evidence.
- Problem-solving
Medical examiners use their problem-solving skills and the best methods to find answers about deceased bodies.
- Written and verbal communication
When asked to testify before judges or juries, medical examiners use both written and verbal communication. They use written communication skills to prepare reports about their findings.
- Science skills
Medical examiners can use science to analyze evidence.
How to Become a Medical Examiner
- Go to college or university.
For medical school, a bachelor’s degree is required. A bachelor’s degree in any discipline is sufficient to be eligible. However, most medical examiners major in forensic science, natural science, or chemistry. Many graduates get a master’s degree to further their education.
- Earn a medical degree.
To be eligible for accreditation by the accreditation council for graduate medical education, you will need to pass your Medical College Admission Test. Doctor of Osteopathy or Doctor of Medicine degrees is acceptable for medical examiners.
- Register for a residency
An anatomical or clinical pathology residency will provide you with direct experience in general medical care. It takes three to four years for a residency program.
- Be board-certified
To obtain board certification, you will need to pass the American Board of Pathology’s board exams. Depending on where you reside, you can be certified in either anatomical or clinical pathology.
- Earn your medical license
After you have graduated from medical school, you will be eligible to earn a medical license by passing the United States Medical Licensing Exam. There are three parts to the licensing exam. The second part of the exam is held in the second year. The final part takes place after one calendar year.
- Do a fellowship in forensic pathology
You might be required to do a forensic pathology fellowship, depending on which combination you choose during your residency program. This program will allow you to improve your skills in investigating cases of unexpected and violent death.
The fellowship focuses on evidence collection and identification. Many fellowship programs will require that you work with your local medical examiner, coroner, or other appropriate personnel.
- Establish a professional network
You have made many steps towards your career. Take advantage of them and start a professional network. It is important to build a professional network because many medical examiners are scheduled to see patients. A medical fellowship is the best place to begin, but it’s also a good idea to attend conferences and network events to meet people who could be important in your professional success.
- You can apply to work as a medical examiner/coroner’s assistant
Once you have a solid professional network, it can make it easier to find a job as a medical examiner. To help you find a job, ask your contacts from medical school, residency, fellowship, and any conferences attended. Online job boards allow you to search for open positions in different areas or states.
Where to Work
Most medical examiners work in hospitals performing autopsies. Medical examiners are employed by hospitals, government agencies, medical schools, and morgues. They might spend time in the morgue collecting and analyzing samples from crime scenes, meeting with detectives and prosecutors, and testifying before courts and mediation rooms regarding wrongful death cases, life insurance proceedings, and murder and homicide cases.
Medical Examiner Salary Scale
Medical examiners’ salaries vary depending on their experience, employer, and where they live.
The average salary a medical examiner earns in the U.S. is $66,442 per annum
