Forensic Pathologist (Physician Specialist)

County of Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Medical Examiner investigates and determines the circumstances, manner, and cause of all violent, sudden, or unusual deaths occurring within Los Angeles County. In 2024, approximately 18,000 deaths were reported to the Department, and we investigated 11,452 of those cases. Each year, we conduct thousands of postmortem examinations, including full autopsies, partial autopsies, and external examinations. This level of activity, along with the complexity and sensitivity of the cases handled—including numerous high-profile investigations—makes the Department one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated medical examiner’s offices in the world. Our work is supported by advanced tools such as postmortem X-ray and CT imaging, which enhance our ability to determine cause and manner of death with accuracy and precision.

Requirements

• Completion of a residency in Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology AND a fellowship in Forensic Pathology or equivalent training approved by the American Board of Pathology.
• A California State Physician and Surgeon's Certificate authorized by the Board of Medical Examiners of the State of California.
• Certification by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Must attach a legible copy of their certificate of completion of residency training program approved by the American Specialty Board.
• Must attach a legible copy of California State Physician and Surgeon's Certificate authorized by the Board of Medical Examiners of the State of California.
• Must submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) summarizing their education, experience, and training as it relates to FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST (PHYSICIAN SPECIALIST) (NON-MEGAFLEX).
• CV must cover: educational degrees obtained, teaching experience, research completed (e.g., studies, articles, publications), awards received, academic and professional presentations given.
• Must meet the requirements and achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the assessment.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates who are board certified in Forensic Pathology will receive an additional bonus equivalent to 5.5% of base monthly salary.
• Applicants who will successfully complete their fellowship program approved by an American Specialty Board within six (6) months of filing may compete in this examination.
• Applicants who do not possess a California State Physician and Surgeon's Certificate at the time of filing may compete in this examination.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a licensed physician specializing in Forensic Pathology, providing advanced medical and investigative services related to the examination and determination of cause and manner of death.
• Conducts comprehensive forensic pathology duties in support of medico-legal death investigations.
• Conducts autopsies.
• Evaluates evidence of disease, trauma, or injury.
• Determines cause and manner of death.
• Reviews laboratory, toxicology, and radiological findings.
• Prepares detailed medical reports and findings.
• Directs and oversees forensic technicians during autopsy procedures to ensure adherence to established protocols, safety standards, and evidentiary procedures.
• Participates in the training, mentoring, and professional development of physicians assigned to residency and fellowship programs.
• Exercises sound professional judgment, maintains knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, and demonstrates the technical competencies and ethical standards associated with the practice of Forensic Pathology.
• Performs medical work in a specialized medical field, including specialized autopsy procedures within Forensic Pathology specialty.
• Conducts training or assists in the training of resident or fellow physicians.
• Consults with staff physicians regarding medical and diagnostic work performed.
• Provides consultation to other medical services, including specialists in other fields.
• Conducts the more difficult postmortem examinations and may provide training of other physicians engaged in these activities.
• Confers with medical and professional personnel in such related fields as toxicology in order to discover the main and contributing causes of death.
• Certifies as to the cause of death and testifies in court as an expert witness.
• Develops new techniques within the medical specialty, as needed.
• Conducts specialized research, special studies, and services, including preventive and educational strategies, as needed.

Benefits

• Cafeteria Benefit Plan
• Contributory Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
• Deferred Compensation & Thrift Plans
• 13 paid Holidays
• Ten (10) days or eighty (80) hours per calendar year for approved continuing education purposes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior