This is specialized professional medical work performing neuropathological investigations necessary in determining cause and manner of death in cases of a violent, sudden, or otherwise suspicious death. The employee in this class serves as the technical expert in neuropathology providing information for the formulation of postmortem reports by assistants to the Medical Examiner. Performing gross and microscopic examinations of brains and spinal cords, discussing neuropathological findings with forensic pathologists, and training residents and medical students in forensic neuropathology are important aspects of the work. The employee works under the direction of the Medical Examiner.

• Reviews investigative logs detailing circumstances of cases coming under medical examiner jurisdiction; reviews notes and preliminary findings of forensic pathologists; performs gross examination of brains and spinal cords referred for investigation; visually scans and tacitly examines specimens; notes abnormalities; draws conclusions concerning nature of pathology or damage indicated by abnormalities; prepares written gross examination report; determines need for microscopic examination.
• Reviews gross examination information and circumstantial data to evaluate possible damaged or diseased areas; plans and performs sectioning of tissues; performs general sectioning survey in nebulous but suspect cases; examines tissue using a light microscope; notes tissue and cellular abnormalities; prepares written reports detailing nature and extent of damage or pathology; makes diagnosis; discusses final diagnoses and interpretation of cases with forensic pathologists and toxicologists.
• Coordinates a formal residency training program with the AMA Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education; provides training to residents and medical students in forensic neuropathology; discusses principles, theories, and various techniques of neuropathology; conducts special seminars for medical students and residents to explain the more subtle nuances of neuropathology.
• Researches current literature in the field of neuropathology and reviews case histories for background information in formulating diagnoses and opinions.
• Provides city prosecuting office with advice on the relation between neuropathology and behavior; 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 neuropathol- ogy.
• the procedures and techniques used in detecting, analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting manifestations and symptoms of physical conditions from neuropathological examinations.
• the specialized equipment, instruments, and materials required in the practice of neuropathology.
• microscopy as it relates to neuropathology.
• the general principles and practices of pathology.

• exercise initiative and judgment in preparing specimens, examining and evaluating results, diagnosing pathological conditions, and suggesting causative factors in deaths.
• train residents and interns.
• present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates.

• 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 neuropathology issued by the American Board of Pathology.
• One year of post certificate medical experience in neuropathology.

• 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.

PAY RANGE: EP35
Class Established: 5/1970

Latest Spec. Revision: 5/1984

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