CLASSIFICATION TITLE:
Medical Examiner
SALARY:
$300,000.00 - $300,000.00
DEPARTMENT:
Health Department
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: At-Will
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under general direction, this classification is responsible for performing post-mortem examinations as the legally designated Medical Examiner for Macomb County, including microscopic and toxicology studies to determine official cause and manner of death in legally required cases. Investigates and identifies cause of death using approved medical procedures, and notifies next of kin. Conducts authorized autopsies, performs microscopic and macroscopic studies of organs and fluids, and prepares reports detailing post-mortem inspections, including conditions relating to disease and a statement relating to cause of death. Develops methods of operation for professional and technical employees assisting in post-mortem studies to assure complete and thorough autopsy results. Testifies as an expert witness in criminal cases in Macomb County regarding findings.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provides oversight and guidance to Deputy Medical Examiners in their investigations into circumstances of death.
Performs post-mortem examinations including microscopic and toxicological studies to determine official cause and manner of death in legally required cases.
Conducts autopsies, performs microscopic studies of organs and fluids and prepares reports detailing post-mortem inspections including conditions relating to disease and a statement relating to the cause of death.
Performs medicolegal investigations, forensic autopsies, and completes reports.
Responds to scene investigations of homicides and suspicious deaths.
Testifies as an expert witness in court, depositions and criminal cases.
Responsible for maintaining timely and accurate records.
Confers with prosecutors and police investigators regarding cases.
Oversees laboratory services.
Provides and maintains liaison activities with law enforcement, health agencies and other organizations.
Signs death and cremation certificates.
Assists in developing back-up forensic pathology services.
Oversees all aspects of the medical-legal investigation of Medical Examiner cases of death.
Conducts information/education programs for law enforcement personnel, hospital personnel and employees of funeral homes as to the operation and procedures of the Medical Examiner System.
May make funeral and burial arrangements for unclaimed bodies.
Operates an automobile while performing assigned duties.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education and Experience
-
Graduate of a regularly chartered and legally constituted medical school or college, or osteopathic medical school or college
-
Completed a training program in anatomic pathology accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or equivalent
-
Two years experience in the medical examiner and/or forensic field
Preferred Education and Experience
Required Licenses or Certifications
-
Physician license and in good standing in the State of Michigan
-
Must be Board Certified anatomic and forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology or by the American Osteopathic Board of Pathology
-
Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable insured automobile for authorized travel
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES
Knowledge of:
-
Safety procedures when handling chemicals and related laboratory equipment
-
Laws, codes and regulations pertaining to Forensic Pathology
-
Current developments in the field of public health and private health care
-
Principles and practices of public health administration
-
Social determinants of health in Macomb County
-
Applying public health theory and practices
Skill in:
-
Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
-
Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
-
Assigning, prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments
-
Effective written and verbal communication methods to conduct meetings and make group presentations
-
Observing problems and analytically design solutions
-
Managing and supervising employees to apply best industry standards and methods
Ability to:
-
Present evidence and findings in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing
-
Compile statistics, decipher pertinent information, and present oral operational and other types of departmental reports to officials and other interested groups or individuals
-
Organize and thoroughly document examinations performed
-
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with administrative, professional and support staff within the Health Department and with officials and staff of local, Federal and State government organizations and private organizations
-
Cope with difficult and/or emergent situations requiring immediate decisions in accordance with Departmental policies and objectives
-
Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
-
Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
-
Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
-
Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
-
Maintain the confidentiality of information
-
Work independently
-
Ability to conduct oneself with tact and courtesy
