Forensic Pathologist Within the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE), the Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) investigates all violent, suspicious and unexpected natural deaths within the jurisdiction of the City and County of Denver. The goal of forensic investigation and autopsy is to develop logical, scientific, and unbiased information necessary to determine the cause and manner of death for the proper and accurate completion of the death certificate and autopsy report. The agency also offers death expert testimony/consultation, death scene response and investigation, and deceased identification and death notification. OME reports and other information can be found at: DDPHE: Office of the Medical Examiner. We foster an inclusive culture by respecting the values, customs, and authenticity of everyone and by implementing equitable public health strategies so Denver communities can thrive. As a Forensic Pathologist, you will perform postmortem examinations and medicolegal autopsies to determine cause and manner of death. Additionally, this position will assist the Chief Medical Examiner in assessing the quality of services provided and ensure staff and visitors conform with department policies at scenes and in the autopsy room and will assist in the development and implementation of office policies and procedures. This position will report to the Chief Medical Examiner. Specifically, in this position, you will: Provide clinical functions of the office and provide technical oversight, mentorship, and leadership in the development and application of forensic pathology practices. Review deaths reported to the Office of the Medical Examiner as required by Colorado Statute and determine appropriate examination type including autopsy, external, and chart review. Perform medicolegal autopsies in accordance with accepted standards in the recognized medical specialty of forensic pathology. Order and interpret necessary diagnostic tests to aid in the diagnosis of disease and non-natural pathology, understand the effects of postmortem interval on laboratory test results, and determine the cause and manner of death. Assist in the education and training of fellows, residents, medical students, interns, and others in the function of the Medical Examiner/Coroner and in forensic pathology. Share on-call responsibilities with other staff physicians, respond to homicide or other suspicious death scenes as requested by the Medical Examiner investigator or police department, and consult on the release of organs and tissue for recovery by procurement agencies. Give testimony as to the cause of death and render expert opinions in a variety of legal forums, both criminal and civil. Collect evidence and preserve it using accepted chain of custody procedures, document findings at autopsy including pertinent traumatic injuries in the form of a written report, and photograph pertinent findings and traumatic injuries. Consult with medical experts as necessary to aid in the determination of the cause of death. Meet and/or confer with attorneys, law enforcement, and health professionals to discuss the autopsy findings and investigation. Meet and/or speak with families to discuss the results of the autopsy and the particulars of the death investigation and communicate with the media and other interested parties about the autopsy report. Assist in the planning and participation of research activities that the office collaborates on. Assist the Chief Medical Examiner in assessing the quality of services provided, help ensure that staff and visitors conform with office and department safety policies at scenes and in the autopsy room, and assist in the development of office safety policies and in the development of office emergency preparedness plans. Assist in the collaboration with local, regional, and state law enforcement, investigative, legal, and medical agencies including public health. Along with all DDPHE staff, actively participate in emergency preparedness and response team activities to support DDPHE's responsibilities outlined in the City's Emergency Operations Plan. This may require being 'on-call' from time to time respond to emergencies. Training will be provided. Other duties as assigned.
