A forensic medical examiner is a doctor with extensive pathology training, which is the study of how diseases progress, their nature, and their causes. The medical examiner, also known as a forensic pathologist, is responsible for determining both the cause and manner of death of a person. Outside of the lab, a forensic medical examiner may assist with some investigations, but his primary role in an investigation is usually limited to his work in the lab.
In many places, the position of forensic medical examiner is held by the government, though some forensic medical examiners work for medical schools or hospitals. Unlike a coroner, the position of forensic medical examiner is generally appointed by the government. A coroner is typically an elected official who works on a contract basis for a law enforcement agency and may or may not be a physician.
During an autopsy, a forensic medical examiner concentrates on a number of things, but there are a few key objectives. He tries to uncover a person’s medical history and the keys that will unlock pertinent information about a person’s life and death through observation and evidence. In order to identify a victim, the forensic medical examiner must frequently rely on what he learns through observation.
A forensic pathologist thoroughly examines a body during an examination. He meticulously searches the body’s surface for clues and records what he finds. An internal investigation is also a part of a forensic medical examination.
The body’s fluids, including urine and blood, are removed and examined under a microscope. Tissue remains are biopsied and examined under a microscope to uncover clues that aren’t readily visible on the surface. The forensic medical examiner may be able to determine whether a person died of natural causes, was killed in an accident, or was murdered by analyzing the data collected. Unfortunately, there are times when a medical examiner is unable to determine the cause of death of a person.
A lucrative career in forensic pathology is possible. People interested in this field should expect to study hard and dissect dead bodies on a regular basis. For those interested in becoming a forensic medical examiner, background courses in chemistry, biology, crime detection, and investigation are recommended.
In addition, a person must be ready to attend medical school. In most areas, forensic medical examiners must be licensed physicians who have also received training in pathology and forensic pathology. A physician typically works in residency for at least five years after graduation before taking the forensic medical exam.