This position is responsible for the investigation or supervision of investigation for all types of deaths. Performs medico legal investigations, autopsies and examinations and orders analytical testing to determine accurate cause and manner of death including investigation within the jurisdiction of the Webb County Medical Examiner in accordance with Articles 49.0 and 49.25, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Texas Family Code and the Texas Health and Safety Codes, including those cases contracted with other counties outside of Webb.
- Conducts post-mortem examinations to determine cause and manner of death.
- Orders appropriate analytical testing.
- Collects specimens and evidentiary materials and requests testing.
- Dictates findings upon completion of post-mortem examinations.
- Prepares written opinion reports regarding case findings, including the interpretation, findings.
- Signs official death certificate.
- Promptly reviews and signs Medical Examiner reports.
- Responds to scenes when necessary or requested.
- Assists in the recovery of decedents.
- Provides family conferences in person and by telephone to family members of the deceased to increase level of understanding of causes of death, manner of death, physiologic and psychological mechanisms involved.
- Responsible for assisting with the review of all medical investigator reports to assure accuracy.
- Provides expert forensic pathology witness testimony in Local and State court proceedings to include testimony in out-of-county autopsy cases.
- Confers with attorneys, law enforcement, physicians, family members and general public, as required.
- Performs any other duties as assigned.
- Graduation from an accredited college of medicine.
- Completion of approved ACGME residency in pathology.
- Completion of approved ACGME fellowship in Forensic Pathology.
- Certification by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic or Anatomic/Clinical Pathology and at least Board Eligibility in Forensic Pathology
- Possession of a current, unrestricted license to practice medicine in the State of Texas.
- Medicolegal investigation of death techniques.
- Modern forensic pathology methods and techniques.
- Standard autopsy room protocols.
- Rules and collection of evidence.
- Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
- Budgeting development, process and maintenance.
- Policies, practices, procedures and terminology of assigned function.
- Principle and procedures of record keeping.
- Business English, spelling and arithmetic.
- Skill in: Using and caring of autopsy room equipment, photography equipment and microscope.
- Holding inquests, and documenting results of application of forensic pathology, toxicology, histology, and other medical-legal procedures.
- Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language.
- Problem-solving and decision-making.
- Dealing effectively and professionally with distraught, upset, or potentially volatile family members or situations.
- Interpret, follow and enforce written rules, policies, procedures, codes, ordinances and regulations. Work independently.
- Deal with death-related environment daily and unpleasant odors associated with autopsies.