A forensic medical examiner determines the cause and method of death, primarily through laboratory work. They are usually government-appointed and require extensive training in pathology and forensic pathology. Autopsies involve both surface and internal examinations, with collected data used to determine the cause of death. Becoming a forensic medical examiner requires attending medical school and completing a residency.
A forensic medical examiner is a doctor with extensive training in pathology – the study of how a disease progresses, its nature and its origin. Also known as a forensic pathologist, the medical examiner is tasked with determining the cause and method by which a person died. A forensic medical examiner may participate in some investigative efforts outside the laboratory, but their primary role in an investigation is generally limited to their work in the laboratory.
In many places, the forensic medical examiner job is a government position, although some may work for medical schools or hospitals. In government, the office of a forensic medical examiner is usually appointed, as opposed to that of a medical examiner. A medical examiner is usually an elected official who works for a law enforcement agency on a contractual basis and may or may not be a medical doctor.
There are several things that a forensic medical examiner focuses on during an autopsy, but there are some very basic goals. Through observation and evidence, he tries to uncover a person’s medical history and the keys that will unlock pertinent information about a person’s life and death. Often, the forensic medical examiner must use what he learns through observation to identify a victim.
During an examination, a forensic pathologist thoroughly examines a body. He meticulously searches the surface of the body for clues and records the information. Additionally, part of a forensic medical examination includes an internal investigation.
Fluids, urine and blood, are removed from the body and examined under a microscope. Tissue remnants are biopsied and examined under a microscope to uncover clues that are not easily visible through surface examination. Analysis of the collected data can allow the medical examiner to determine whether a person died a natural death, an accidental death, or was murdered. Unfortunately, there are times when a medical examiner cannot determine why a person died.
A career in forensic pathology can be lucrative. People considering this profession must be prepared to study a lot and regularly dissect cadavers. Classes in chemistry, biology, crime detection and investigation are recommended as foundation courses for those interested in becoming a forensic medical examiner.
A person must also be prepared to attend medical school. In most regions, forensic medical examiners must not only be licensed physicians, but must be educated in pathology and forensic pathology. After graduation, a doctor usually works in residency for at least five years before taking the forensic medical exam.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
