Coroner
A forensic medical examiner preforms autopsies on deceased individuals. Once all data is recorded about the body, the examiner can determine the probable cause of death. Another cause for examining a body is to learn about diseases. A medical examiner will have to examine injuries, preform autopsies, and collect samples. A coroner may also have to frequently work with law enforcement because it is common for an examiner to report their findings in court. The primary role of a coroner is to determine the manner of death, whether it be natural, accidental, or homicide.
Anna's Case
In our hypothetical criminal investigation, Anna Garcia was found dead inside the entry hallway of her house. A coroner examined her "body" and presented factual information about her physical health at the time of her death. In real life, a coroner would determine the probable manner of death by recording their findings and "connecting the dots." |
Requirements
To become a medical examiner, a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) is required. A forensic pathology residency is also needed. Courses in criminal justice would be useful for this career due to the frequent involvement of law enforcement. Another useful tip is to shadow a Medical Examiner for a while. Salary As of 2016, the median salary for a coroner is $49,910. There is a large variance in salaries due to the fact that medical examiners are hired by individual counties. There are also different levels in this field, which may effect the paycheck. Self-Reflection Although everyone loves a good mystery, I am not attracted to this field. I am not one for dead things, so I doubt that my stomach would be able to handle poking and prodding human bodies for the majority of my life. Medical Examiner: Job Duties, Career Outlook, and Educational Requirements. (2017). Retrieved February 15, 2017, from http://learn.org/articles/Medical_Examiner_Job_Duties_Career_Outlook_and_Educational_Requirements.html |