Role
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Medical Examiner the Assistant Chief Medical Examiner (ACME) will be responsible for conducting investigations of all unexplained natural deaths and all unnatural deaths under the Fatality Inquiries Act. The ACME will be required to perform the full working duties of a Forensic Pathologist. The ACME will complete investigations to establish the identity of the decedent to determine the cause and manner of death. This will include external examinations and autopsies as part of the investigations and preparation of reports to document the cause of death. The ACME will also provide expert testimony to criminal and civil courts. As a member of the team of Forensic Pathology Professionals, the ACME will collaborate with team members on niche cases. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) investigates about 20,000 deaths and performs approximately 5000 post mortem examinations (autopsies and external examinations combined) annually in the province. The investigation of deaths reportable to the OCME are conducted in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta.
Qualifications
The Assistant Chief Medical Examiner will bring subspecialty training in a recognized forensic pathology training program, which is required, supported by in-depth knowledge of the medical, forensic pathology and toxicological aspects of sudden death investigations. Exceptional communication and relationship building skills are critical to developing effective relationships with colleagues and stakeholders including criminal justice partners, allied medical professionals and families. Applicants must be a medical doctor with Board Certification in Anatomical or General Pathology (or equivalency) and thereafter gain sub-specialist certification or training in Forensic Pathology. For Canadian Forensic Pathologists trained before 2009, a fellowship in Forensic Pathology without Board Certification will also be considered eligible. Forensic pathology fellows currently in training are also qualified for this competition. Candidates must be licensed or eligible for licensure from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). A medical degree is required. Current Forensic Pathology Fellows who are eligible are encouraged to apply. International candidates will also be required to submit copies of certificates, diplomas, fellowships, and/or degrees to the Medical Council of Canada as part of the verification process of academic credentials.
Travel up to 25% or as required.
The Assistant Chief Medical Examiner may be required to travel within Alberta and to other provinces or territories in Canada to provide court testimony, as required, and must possess a valid driver’s licence.
Salary
The Assistant Chief Medical Examiner position is dependent on the years of experience and completion of the Forensic Pathology board certification. Salary is dependent on benefits and/or pension.
Assistant Chief Medical Examiner offers a salary range: $16,249.93 bi-weekly (Up to $424,123.17/ year) for Forensic Pathologist 1 – 4.