This is supervisory specialized medical work directing the activities of pathology and technical personnel engaged in determining the cause and manner of death in cases of a violent, sudden, or otherwise suspicious nature. The employee in this class serves as first deputy to the medical examiner with responsibility for supervising and participating in the performance of postmortem examinations. Work involves assuming total responsibility for activities of the medical examiner's office on the evening and on assigned weekend shifts. The supervision of a number of lower level forensic pathologists and toxicology staff is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed with guidance from the medical examiner. Working conditions involve disagreeable aspects which can only be partially controlled.

• Reviews all reports of death received by the medical examiner's office to determine if jurisdiction has been properly assumed in all cases; passes on disposition of all cases received and examined by lower-level forensic pathologists through personal examinations of bodies, conferences with medical personnel, supervision while autopsy is in progress, and review of microscopic slides, color photographs, and written reports subsequent to the postmortem examinations performed by hospital pathologists with the approval of the medical examiner's office.
• Coordinates the work of the medical histological, toxicological, and photographic laboratories with the investigative and administrative divisions; prepares work schedules to provide continuous coverage at all times; consults with medical and scientific personnel to estimate budget expenditures for the forthcoming year including personnel, material, and equipment needs; initiates requisitions; interviews and approves candidates for laboratory, clinical and other positions; recommends changes in professional and administrative policy.
• Trains autopsy technicians in the methods and techniques of preparing bodies for postmortem examinations; trains residents and medical students in forensic pathology principles and practices.
• Makes on-the-scene investigations, performs postmortem examinations, and examines microscopically specimens of tissue and body fluids especially in cases involving unusual and complex pathological problems; testifies in court as an expert witness.
• Selects individual cases, slides, and photographs, for presentation at regularly or specially scheduled conferences and seminars; presides and participates in such conferences and offers criticisms on the medical aspects involved in the disposition of cases; gives talks before lay and professional groups.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices, literature, and current developments in the fields of pathological anatomy and forensic pathology.
• the diversified specialized equipment, instruments, and materials required in all phases of pathology.
• the procedures involved in detecting, analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting manifestations and symptoms of physical conditions from pathologic examinations.
• microscopy, toxicology, ballistics, and investigative techniques as they relate to forensic medicine.
• the principles and practices of general medicine and surgery.

• supervise professional, technical, and non-professional employees engaged in various tasks relating to the determination of the cause and manner of deaths.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.
• testify as an expert witness.
• solve complex problems arising from the performance of postmortem examinations.

EDUCATION:

• 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.
• Possession of a certificate in forensic pathology as issued by the American Board of Pathology.

• Three years of post certificate medical experience in forensic pathology, two years of which has involved responsibility for the supervision of residents or fellows in a forensic pathology, anatomical pathology or anatomical/clinical pathology training program, or administering a comprehensive medical- legal death investigation system for an entire jurisdiction.

• 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, eligibility for and possession of a license to practice medicine in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within one year of appointment.

PAY RANGE: EP39
Class Established: 7/1988

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