GENERAL DEFINITION

This is specialized medical work in the determination of the cause and manner of deaths coming under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner. Work includes determining the existence of criminal acts or negligence on the part of the person or persons responsible, and also involves assuming responsibility for activities of the medical examiner's office in the evening and on assigned weekend shifts. The class is distinguished from lower level pathologists by the employee's demonstrated mastery of forensic pathology. 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.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

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 pathologist.

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; conducts special seminars for pathologists and residents to explain the more subtle nuances of forensic pathology; 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; performs assigned administrative projects; testifies in court as an expert witness.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

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

• 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

ABILITY TO:

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public

• testify as an expert witness

• solve complex problems arising in the performance of postmortem examinations

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 7/88.)

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.

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 Medicine or the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine prior to appointment and during tenure of employment.

Class Established 7/88

Spec. Revised:

CSC – 7/12

Ad. Board – 9/12

Change in Pay Rate:

CSC – 9/14

Ad. Board – 11/14

Change in Pay Rate:

CSC – 12/14

Ad. Board - 1/15

Latest Spec. Revision:

CSC – 10/15

Ad. Board – 10/15

Change in Pay Rate:

CSC – 10/23

Ad. Board – 11/23