Assistant Medical Examiner

State of Delaware•Dover, DE

About The Position

The incumbent reports to the Chief Medical Examiner (CME) and is responsible for performing forensic autopsies and external body examinations of decedents to determine the cause and manner of death statewide. The work includes determining the existence of criminal acts, homicides, suicides, accidents, as well as natural causes or other forms of death. Exposure to unpleasant odors, sights, sounds, and potentially hazardous body fluids and diseases is also a significant aspect of the work. A class incumbent may assume complete responsibility for the office in the absence of the CME when assigned.

Requirements

Possession of an Anatomic Pathology Certification or eligibility for certification.
Possession of a Delaware Physician M.D. or Delaware Physician D.O. license or eligibility for a Delaware license.
Three years experience in forensic pathology.

Responsibilities

Performs forensic autopsies and external body examinations on bodies brought to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in order to determine the cause and manner of death.
Reviews reports of death received from hospitals, police agencies, and private physicians in order to determine jurisdiction of cases.
Communicates with family, friends, and/or associates of decedents as necessary in order to clarify unclear points and obtain appropriate background information.
Conducts on-site investigations at the death scene to gather appropriate data and information surrounding the case.
Conducts a preliminary examination of the body to determine if a complete autopsy is required.
Directs the activities of forensic investigators in photographing and removing of the decedent and the work of autopsy room support personnel during the examination.
Conducts microscopic examinations of specimens, tissues, organs, fluid, blood, etc. to determine irregular conditions which might have contributed to death.
Prepares through dictation, autopsy and external body examination reports and findings and furnishes same to law enforcement officials to include evidence of a medical/scientific nature which might be needed for criminal involvement uses.
Works with hospitals, health care agencies, law enforcement and criminal justice agencies and private physicians.
Reviews current literature in the area of forensic pathology and investigative research and examines prior case histories for background information.
Prepares certificate of death and determines the release of bodies and cremation.
Testifies in courts of law as required.