Chief Medical Investigator

University of New Mexico•Albuquerque, NM

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of New Mexico, School of Medicine is seeking a dynamic leader to serve as Chief Medical Investigator at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI). The Chief is selected by the Board of Medical Investigations and reports to the Board for OMI affairs via the Dean of the School of Medicine and the Chair of Pathology for academic activities. This role requires collaboration with faculty from the UNM School of Medicine, law enforcement officers, officers of the court, funeral directors, and representatives of the Department of Health. The Chief Medical Investigator will be the key leader and advocate in all matters concerning clinical service, education, and research related to forensic pathology. This includes overseeing administrative functions such as short- and long-range planning, staffing, budgeting, scheduling, and accreditation. Responsibilities also include performing postmortem examinations and providing testimony in criminal and civil courts. The Chief plans and manages the total operations of the OMI, develops and implements office objectives and long-range plans, and stays informed of emerging scientific, political, and funding trends. Educational duties involve supervising and instructing forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical students, medical investigators, and others. The OMI is unique as a statewide agency where forensic pathologists hold full-time faculty appointments within the UNM School of Medicine Department of Pathology. The position is located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a community offering abundant recreational opportunities and a temperate climate.

Requirements

MD/DO or equivalent degree.
Certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic and forensic pathology.
Qualified for an appointment as an Associate Professor or Professor in the UNM Department of Pathology.
At least 6 years of experience in the clinical practice of forensic pathology.
At least 3 years demonstrated experience in leadership roles at an operational level within a medical examiner’s office.

Nice To Haves

Leadership and practical skills in management, including fiscal and budgetary experience and training.
Strong interpersonal skills including experience with successful management of conflict resolution, consistent clear communication, respect for colleagues, and high expectations of excellence from faculty and staff.
Successful mentoring of faculty and staff.
Experience working with legislative, executive, judicial, and law enforcement bodies as well as the public at large and the media.
Ability to address the specific concerns of New Mexico Hispanic and Native American populations regarding the death investigation process, autopsies and their impact on communities and families.
Successful development and participation in educational programs.
Demonstrated success in mentoring of trainees and faculty including forensic pathology fellows and pathology residents.
Evidence of scholarly activity in the forensic sciences.
Evidence of pursuit of grant funding.
Experience in multidisciplinary research.
Experienced leadership in medical examiner office operation.
Experience in obtaining or maintaining accreditation through the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).
Practices clinical forensic pathology, in addition to administrative duties, in accordance with general practice guidelines of the office.
Additional board certification or training in areas such as: Neuropathology, Cardiac pathology, Pediatric pathology, Public health.
A demonstrated commitment to cultivate an understanding of the rich and varied cultures of New Mexico and to the success of the university's mission to serve local and global communities.

Responsibilities

Oversee all administrative matters including the management of short- and long-range planning, staffing, budgeting, scheduling, and accreditation.
Perform postmortem examinations.
Provide testimony in criminal and civil courts.
Plan and manage the total operations of the OMI.
Develop and implement office objectives and long-range plans.
Supervise and instruct forensic pathology fellows, pathology residents, medical students, medical investigators and others.
Work collaboratively with faculty from the UNM School of Medicine, law enforcement officers, officers of the court, funeral directors, and representatives of the Department of Health.