Forensic Pathologist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF JOB

The Forensic Pathologist assists in the operations and activities of the County Coroner's office including the investigation, examination, and certification of deaths within the county that fall under the jurisdiction of the Coroner.

DUTIES

• Reviews deaths reported to the County Coroner's Office as required by Colorado Statute and determines which cases will require an autopsy or visual examination
• Performs medicolegal autopsies in accordance with accepted standards in the recognized medical specialty of forensic pathology
• Orders and interprets necessary diagnostic tests to aid in the diagnosis of disease and non-natural pathology, understands the effects of postmortem interval on laboratory test results, and determines the cause and manner of death
• Gives testimony as to the cause of death and renders expert opinions in a variety of legal forums, both criminal and civil
• Collsutes with medical experts as necessary to aid in the determination of the cause of death
• Mets and/or confers with attorneys, law enforcement, and health professionals to discuss the autopsy findings and investigation
• Mets and/or speaks with families to discuss the results of the autopsy and the particulars of the death investigation and communicates with the media and other interested parties about the autopsy report
• Aids in the education and training of medical students, residents, student interns, and others in the function of the Coroner and in forensic pathology
• Aids the Senior Medical Investigator in assessing the quality of services provided, helps ensure that staff and visitors conform with office and department safety policies at scenes and in the autopsy room, and assists in the development of office safety policies and in the development of office emergency preparedness plans
• Aids in collaborations with local, regional, and state law enforcement, and investigative, legal and medical agencies including public health

REQUIREMENTS

• Skills, Abilities And Competencies
• Understands and interprets written material including technical material, notes, rules, regulations, instructions, reports, charts, graphs, or tables and applies what is learned from written material to specific situations
• Recognizes and uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling, communicates information in a succinct and organized manner, and produces written information which may include technical material that is appropriate for the intended audience
• Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals, displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner, works with minimal supervision, is motivated to achieve, and demonstrates responsible behavior
• Shows understanding, courtesy, tact, empathy, and concern, develops and maintains relationships, may deal with people who are difficult, hostile, and/or distressed, relates well to people from varied backgrounds and situations, and is sensi ve to individual differences
• Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively taking into account the audience and nature of information, makes clear and convincing presentations, listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately
• Behaviors Competencies (these are required for all positions at ACG): Accountability Accessibility Inclusivity Integrity
• Education And Experience
• Graduation from an approved school of medicine plus completion of residency training approved by the American Board of Pathology, and board certification in Anatomic or Anatomic/Clinical Pathology is required at the time of application
• Must have completed Forensic Pathology fellowship training at the time of appointment
• Must be eligible to sit for the Forensic Pathology Boards at the time of appointment
• See statutory requirements below
• Statutory Requirements
• This class assists in the operations and activities of the County Coroner including the investigation and evaluation of deaths within the County that fall under jurisdiction of the Coroner, planning for the office, and the development and execution of policies, procedures, and performance criteria for office operations
• By Colorado State Statute (C.R.S. 30-10-606.5), all coroner jurisdiction/forensic autopsies must be performed by a board-certified forensic pathologist. Therefore, M.D./D.O. degree with American Board of Pathology certification in Anatomic or Anatomic/Clinical Pathology is required at the time of application
• Must have completed Forensic Pathology fellowship training and be eligible to sit for the Forensic Pathology boards at the time of appointment
• By statute, board certification in forensic pathology is required within 4 years of completion of fellowship; office policy requires ABP board certification in forensic pathology within 2 years of hire
• Must possess a license to practice medicine in the State of Colorado at the time of appointment (or demonstrate eligibility for licensure with the application process initiated)
• Pre-Employment Additional Requirements
• Must successfully pass pre-employment testing which includes an acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR), background check and drug screen
• Post-Employment Requirements
• Will require fingerprinting and a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check
• Successful completion of bi-annual Colorado Justice Information System (CJIS) training
• Incumbents must be available for emergency events and available to work on-call as needed including evenings, holidays and weekends

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Hazards: Conditions where there is danger to life, body, and/or health. Contact with the deceased persons under a wide variety of circumstances. Exposed to infection from disease-bearing specimens. Exposed to infections and contagious diseases Exposed to risk of blood borne diseases. Exposed to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries, and illness). Exposure to hazardous chemicals. Occasional pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. Occasionally exposed to radiation hazards. Subject to long, irregular hours. Subject to many interruptions. Subject to varying and unpredictable situations including grieving and potentially unstable individuals.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling over
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination: Performing work through using two or more
• Felling: Picking, pinching or otherwise working with fingers
• Handling: Seizing, holding, grasping, or otherwise working with hands