How to Become a Medical Examiner

There are numerous opportunities for those who wish to make a significant impact by helping provide closure during difficult times. If you're interested in playing a crucial role in death investigations, becoming a medical examiner could be a good path for you. This article gives you guidance on how to become a medical examiner, expected medical examiner income, and answers to common questions regarding the medical examiner profession.

How do you become a certified medical examiner?

Becoming a medical examiner requires specific education, training, and certification steps depending on your country and region. In the U.S., for example, the path typically looks like this:

1. Education

• Undergraduate degree: Earn a bachelor's degree, often in a science-related field (such as biology, chemistry, or forensic science).
• Medical degree (MD or DO): After completing a bachelor's degree, attend medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Medical school usually takes 4 years.

2. Medical residency

• Becoming a medical examiner requires intense schooling before jumping straight into the field. After medical school, complete a residency program, which typically lasts 3 to 5 years. Aspiring medical examiners often complete residencies in fields like pathology (anatomical or forensic), general surgery, or internal medicine.

3. Fellowship in forensic pathology

• After residency, enter a forensic pathology fellowship (usually a 1-year program). This fellowship focuses on autopsies, determining cause of death, and learning techniques in criminal and forensic investigations.

4. Board certification

• After completing the forensic pathology fellowship, pass the American Board of Pathology (ABP) exam to become board certified in forensic pathology.

5. Certification as a medical examiner

• In addition to becoming a board-certified forensic pathologist, you need to be certified as a medical examiner by the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME), which requires training and passing an exam. Receiving your medical examiner certificate is a huge accomplishment and step towards your eventual career.

6. Licensure

• Obtain a medical license to practice in your state or region. Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include passing a licensing exam (e.g., the USMLE for MDs or the COMLEX for DOs).

7. Continuing education

• Stay up to date with continuing medical education (CME) requirements to maintain certification and licensure.

Once certified, you can work as a medical examiner or forensic pathologist, performing autopsies, investigating deaths, and testifying in court as an expert witness.

What is an independent medical examiner?

An independent medical examiner (IME) is usually a medical professional hired by an insurance company, lawyer, or court to provide an unbiased medical evaluation of a living individual. IMEs assess injuries or disabilities in legal or insurance cases, often related to personal injury, workers' compensation, or disability claims, and provide objective reports without treating the patient.

What is the difference between a medical examiner, a forensic medical examiner, and a medical examiner’s assistant?

A medical examiner is a licensed physician, typically specialized in pathology, who is responsible for investigating deaths under unusual or suspicious circumstances. They perform autopsies, determine the cause of death, and may testify in court as expert witnesses. Medical examiners play a critical role in public health and the legal system by providing vital information for criminal investigations, death certifications, and other legal proceedings.

A forensic medical examiner is a specific type of medical examiner with expertise in forensic pathology. Their work primarily focuses on deaths related to crimes, accidents, or other unnatural causes. Forensic medical examiners are frequently called to analyze evidence in homicide cases, providing a thorough understanding of trauma and injury patterns. They collaborate with law enforcement to gather information that could be crucial in solving criminal cases.

A medical examiner’s assistant supports the medical examiner by preparing bodies for autopsies, maintaining records, and handling laboratory samples. While they do not perform autopsies themselves, they assist in various procedural and administrative tasks, helping to ensure the smooth operation of the medical examiner's office. These assistants are typically trained in medical or forensic science but are not required to hold a medical degree.

Salaries for medical examiners and medical examiner assistants

How much does a medical examiner make? Wll, the salaries for medical examiners, forensic medical examiners, and medical examiner assistants can vary depending on factors such as location, level of experience, and specific responsibilities. However, here are general salary ranges for these positions:

1. Medical examiner pay: The average salary for a medical examiner in the U.S. typically ranges from $150,000 to $250,000 per year. In large metropolitan areas or regions with a high cost of living, salaries can be higher, sometimes exceeding $300,000 for senior or experienced medical examiners.

2. Medical examiner’s assistant pay: A medical examiner’s assistant, sometimes known as an autopsy technician or forensic pathology assistant, typically earns an average salary between $40,000 and $70,000 per year. Entry-level assistants may start closer to $40,000, while those with more experience or in high-demand areas can earn closer to $70,000 or more. Medical examiner assistant’s wage starts out around $79 an hour.

These figures are averages and can fluctuate based on geographic location and specific job requirements.

Typical requirements of medical examiners

One thing that can help you before seeking medical examiner employment is to read through job descriptions. Knowing and being familiar with the role as well as medical examiner job requirements can help you feel more prepared when stepping into your first interview. It can also give you a better understanding of what your employer expects. A typical medical examiner job description includes the following responsibilities:

• Determine cause and manner of death by performing autopsies.
• Examine the body, organs, tissues, and fluids, and document findings.
• Investigate sudden, unexpected, or suspicious deaths.
• Visit crime scenes when necessary and collaborate with law enforcement.
• Complete and sign death certificates.
• Serve as an expert witness in criminal and civil court cases.
• Provide testimony on autopsy results and forensic evidence.
• Write comprehensive autopsy reports and maintain case records.
• Ensure all documentation meets legal and regulatory standards.
• Work with toxicologists, anthropologists, and other specialists.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings.
• Communicate findings to family members and provide support.
• Answer questions with sensitivity and respect.
• Identify trends related to public health concerns (e.g., infectious diseases, substance abuse).
• Report unusual death patterns for public health and safety.
• Stay updated on forensic and medical advancements.
• Maintain certifications and attend professional development programs.

How to find medical examiner jobs

Now that you know what to expect, here’s a guide on how to find a medical examiner job.

1. Check job boards

• Indeed.com
• Glassdoor.com
• Health eCareers
• PhysicianJobBoard.com
• AAPA Career Central (for physician assistants)
• USAJOBS (for federal positions)
• State and local government websites
• County coroner or medical examiner office websites (many MEs work for counties)

2. Start networking

• Professional Organizations: Join and stay active in organizations like:
  • National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME)
  • American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)

• These organizations often have job listings and networking opportunities.

• Attend medical conferences: Attend forensic pathology or medical examiner conferences, where many agencies may recruit or advertise open positions.

3. Direct applications to medical examiner offices

• County or State Medical Examiner Offices: Many counties and states have their own medical examiner offices. You can find opportunities by directly visiting their websites or contacting them to inquire about open positions.

4. Work with recruitment agencies

• Some recruitment agencies specialize in placing medical professionals in government or forensic roles. Look for agencies that place forensic pathologists, coroners, or medical examiners.

5. Apply to government agencies

• Positions may be available in federal or military roles, such as with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Department of Defense. These roles often require forensic medical expertise.

6. Follow job alerts

• Set up alerts on job boards and government websites so that you are notified when a relevant job is posted.

7. Consider geographic location

• Some regions may have more openings, particularly large metropolitan areas or regions with a high demand for forensic services. You may need to be flexible about relocating, as medical examiner positions can be competitive in certain areas.

By leveraging a combination of online job boards, networking, and direct applications to medical examiner offices, you can increase your chances of finding opportunities in this field. Good luck on your journey towards becoming a medical examiner.