This is specialized medical work in the determination of the cause and manner of deaths coming under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner. An employee in this class investigates cases of violent, sudden or suspicious deaths and determines the existence of criminal acts or negligence on the part of the person or persons responsible. The class is distinguished from lower level pathologists by the employee's increased mastery of pathology techniques and principles. Contact with families and a variety of governmental agencies, hospitals, physicians, and others in the conduct of individual cases is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the general direction of a higher level forensic pathologist. Working conditions involve disagreeable aspects which can only be partially controlled.

• Positions in this class must perform specialized medical work in the determination of the cause and manner of deaths coming under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner

Reviews reports of deaths received from hospitals, private physicians, and police and determines jurisdiction of cases; makes on-the-scene investigations to examine body and note physical surroundings; directs the activities of photographers, police, and other investigatory personnel at the scene if necessary; determines the need for a complete postmortem examination and orders bodies removed to the office of the medical examiner; reviews reports of autopsies performed by hospital pathologists

Directs the activities of autopsy technicians in preparing bodies for autopsy; performs autopsies and obtains specimens for laboratory analysis; examines wounds on decedents and notes abnormal conditions or discolorations of the body; directs the photographing of the body prior to, during and subsequent to the postmortem examination.

Makes microscopic examinations of specimens and determines the cause and manner of death; prepares reports of findings and furnishes law enforcement officials with evidence of a medical and scientific nature including medical evidence of criminal involvement; prepares certificate of cause of death and releases body for burial.

Attends and participates in conferences and seminars involving unusual or complex cases; presents microscopic slides, photographs, and other visual effects and discusses cases; gives talks to professional and lay groups on the city's medicolegal investigative system; reviews current literature in the field and researches histories of prior cases for background information in formulating decisions; testifies in court as an expert witness.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices, literature, and current developments in the field of anatomical pathology.
• the diversified specialized equipment, instruments, and materials required in all phases of pathology.
• procedures involved in detecting, analyzing, evaluating and interpreting manifestations and symptoms of physical conditions from pathologic examinations.
• the principles, practices, literature, and current developments in the field of forensic medicine.
• the principles and practices of general medicine and surgery.

ABILITY TO:

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.
• testify as an expert witness.

Graduation from an accredited school of medicine or osteopathy, with a degree of Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy and completion of an internship in an approved hospital.

AND

Five years of medical experience in forensic pathology

OR

Possession of a certificate in anatomical pathology or clinical and anatomical pathology as issued by the American Board of Pathology.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department that has included the degree of Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy and completion of an internship in an approved hospital.

For the first holding only of the examination for this class, five years of medical experience in forensic pathology may be substituted for the required certificate.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid license to practice medicine or osteopathy in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania issued by the State Board of Medical Education and Licensure or the State Board of Osteopathic Examiners prior to appointment, or must be eligible for and obtain a license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within one year of appointment.

PAY RANGE: EP36
Class Established: 7/88

Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC: 11/06, Ad Board: 4/07

MMcA/jl