The Medical Examiner division investigates cause and manner of death through the combined efforts of Forensic Death Investigations, Forensic Pathology, Morgue Services/Forensic Photography, Human Identification/Anthropology, and Histology. 

Medical examiners are physicians specially trained in forensic pathology to determine cause and manner of death of individuals who die suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently.  The presence or absence of disease, injury, or poisoning is ascertained by examination, as well as evaluating collected evidence and historical and law enforcement investigative information.  Medical examiners utilize data obtained from traditional medicine, pathology, toxicology, radiology, wound ballistics, trace evidence, forensic serology, and DNA technology to establish the cause and manner of death.

During Case Conference, which is an extension of the morning mortality meeting, the medical examiners bring their cases and discuss as a group to determine the cause of death after performing autopsy or external examination or other tests. Usually, the complex cases are discussed during these meetings. Decisions are made based on evidence based practice, and expert consensus.

Series Objectives

Upon completion of this activity leaners should be able to:

• Discuss the proper autopsy protocol to be used in each case assigned
• Identify any particular issue that must be addressed in the forensic autopsy
• Examine the data obtained from different sources (e.g., pathology, toxicology, radiology, etc.) to determine the cause and manner of death
• Apply the evidence based practices to determine the cause and manner of death
• Summarize the key learning points presented in the case

Target Audience

This activity is intended for physicians.