Deputy Chief Medical Examiner

Class Concept

This is specialized professional medical work providing administrative and pathological assistance to the Chief Medical Examiner. Work involves directing the activities of all professional and technical personnel engaged in determining the cause and manner of death in cases of a violent, sudden, or otherwise suspicious nature. The position acts as head of the Pathology Branch in the Chief Medical Examiner's office and assumes the duties of the Chief Medical Examiner in their absence. Position supervises assigned program areas and staff. Work requires performing autopsies, medicolegal interpretations of findings, and testifying in court on autopsy results. Assignments are analytical in nature and are carried out in accordance with departmental management and policy direction. Position assists the Chief Medical Examiner in policy information, management and guidance of the statewide medical examiner system, and in research relative to the operation of the system. Work is performed independently but is subject to review by the Chief Medical Examiner.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, literature, and developments in the fields of pathological anatomy and forensic pathology
• Thorough knowledge of the diversified specialized equipment, instruments, and materials required in all phases of pathology
• Thorough knowledge of microscopy, toxicology, ballistics, and investigative techniques as they relate to forensic medicine
• Intermediate knowledge of practices in laboratory investigation
• Intermediate knowledge of the principles and practices of general medicine and surgery
• Ability to communicate with empathy, tact, and diplomacy
• Ability to provide continuous, non-routine analytical decisions and interpretations
• Thorough knowledge of procedures involved in detecting, analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting manifestations and symptoms of physical conditions from pathologic examinations
• Ability to supervise employees engaged in various tasks relating to determination of cause and manner of death

Minimum Education and Experience

Licensed to practice medicine in the state of North Carolina, board certified in Anatomic and Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology and two years of experience in forensic medicine.