# data[].attributes.headline
Oklahoma's Chief Medical Examiner's Website

# data[].attributes.subject
Oklahoma's Chief Medical Examiner's Website

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner - Home

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Mission: The mission of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is to protect the public health and safety of Oklahomans through the scientific investigation of deaths as defined by state statutes. This process involves scene investigation and medicolegal au

# data[].attributes.headline
A Medical Examiner Prepared for an Autopsyy

# data[].attributes.subject
A Medical Examiner Prepared for an Autopsyy

# data[].attributes.headline
A Medical Examiner Describes Her Findings to a Court Room

# data[].attributes.subject
A Medical Examiner Describes Her Findings to a Court Room

# data[].attributes.headline
Importance of Medical Examiners in Criminal  Investigations

# data[].attributes.subject
Importance of Medical Examiners in Criminal  Investigations

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
WLKY's Ben Jackey talks with Louisville's forensic pathologists, who say TV paints an unrealistic picture of their profession.

# data[].attributes.body
This video describes the work a forensic pathologist and clears up some common misconceptions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Day in the Life - Forensic Pathology - A/Prof David Ranson

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Forensic Pathology, which seeks to investigate and define the cause of unexpected death. Medicine is Pathology www.rcpa.edu.au

# data[].attributes.headline
Article Chicago Tribune Indicates Stress of Medical Examiner

# data[].attributes.subject
Article Chicago Tribune Indicates Stress of Medical Examiner

# data[].attributes.body
While rewarding, the stress of working in a medical examiner's office can take its toll.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dr. Stephen Cina, chief medical examiner for Cook County, is resigning effective June 5, according to a statement from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.

Dr. Ponni Arunkumar, deputy chief medical examiner, will serve as interim chief medical examiner.

Cina took over a troubled county morgue in 2012, assuming duties from Dr. Nancy Jones, who resigned amid criticism from employees that bodies were stacking up in the morgue's cooler.

In a letter written to his staff that was obtained by the Tribune, Cina said that turning the office around exacted a toll on his health and also put stress on his family.

"Though I will sorely miss you, I need to do what is best for me and my family and move on to a new environment where I can practice forensic pathology without the 24/7 demands of running a high-profile office," Cina wrote.

"My decision to leave is purely personal and is based on a desire for a more peaceful lifestyle. I know the office will be in good hands under the stewardship of Dr. Arunkumar," he wrote.

The medical examiner's office annually handles about 5,500 cases and performs nearly 3,000 autopsies. Under Cina, the office more than doubled the number of pathologists on staff, installed a cloud-based case management system that replaced outdated technology and handwritten logbooks, and built a new automated cooler to house bodies, according to the release from Preckwinkle's office.

Dr. Stephen Cina, Cook County medical examiner, explains the advantages of the new cooler for bodies at the Cook County morgue.

Dr. Stephen Cina, Cook County medical examiner, explains the advantages of the new cooler for bodies at the Cook County morgue.

SEE MORE VIDEOS
"Dr. Cina has done an amazing job of transforming our Medical Examiner's Office, bringing it from crisis to full accreditation in less than four years," Preckwinkle said. "Through smart and creative management, it is now a model for the nation, a great testament to Dr. Cina's determination and leadership."
Twitter @GraceWong630

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cook County medical examiner resigns, citing stress of transforming office

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dr. Stephen Cina, chief medical examiner for Cook County, is resigning effective June 5, according to a statement from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Dr. Ponni Arunkumar, deputy chief medical examiner, will serve as interim chief medical examiner.

# data[].attributes.body
the extensive amount of educational and other requirements, one must be dedicated and determined to succeed on the path to becoming a forensic pathologist.

# data[].attributes.headline
Questions on Becoming a Forensic Pathologist

# data[].attributes.subject
Questions on Becoming a Forensic Pathologist

# data[].attributes.body
-What does a forensic pathologist do?
-What are the educational requirements?
-What is the average salary range?
-What is the work load like?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Forensic pathologists, or medical examiners, are specially trained physicians who examine the bodies of people who died suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently.

Summary

A forensic pathology practitioner will analyze the medical history of the deceased individual and crime scene evidence and witness testimonials, perform an autopsy to assess whether death was caused by injury or disease, as well to collect further evidence from the body.

In most jurisdictions, there are five main legally recognized causes of death: natural, homicide, suicide, accident and undetermined. After his investigation is complete, a forensic pathologist is required to document his findings in a report and sometimes may be required to testify in court. As such forensic pathologists are often crucial witnesses in court trials involving death, as their testimony and credibility can help determine a defendant's guilt or innocence.

The work in this field is hard, the hours long, and the responsibilities numerous. It's a tough job by all means, and considering a forensic pathologist has to deal with people past away on a day to day basis, this is not a career for the weak of heart, or stomach moreover! However, not only is the career prospect incredibly appealing and the paycheck makes up for the efforts and sacrifices, a forensic pathologist actually makes a difference in the world.

Educational Requirements

To become a forensic pathologist, typically one has to go through minimum of 13 years of post high school education and training. Considering this career heavily relies on biology, chemistry, physics, and other core sciences, an aspirant must have strong aptitude for science.

The first step is to get an undergraduate degree in a medical or science discipline, before completing a four-year medical school program to become a M.D. During your undergraduate education, you may choose whatever major you like, but keep in mind that certain classes are required for admission to medical school. Be sure to thoroughly research your post-undergrad options and requirements, which vary from institution to institution, before choosing your bachelor curriculum.

After you graduate from med school, you will be required to pass a licensing exam to become a M.D. Hopefully, after you've become a licensed M.D., you'll be ready to enroll in a four-year residency in anatomic and clinical pathology. An extra one-year of forensic pathology residency, will be required afterwards, before ultimately you'll be allowed to attend your regional pathology and forensic pathology board exams. After you pass these, you're eligible to enter this career field.

Median Salary

$80,000

Want to know more?
ItsGov-Forensic Pathologist Explore Health Careers-Forensic Pathologist National Board of Medical Examiners
Get Connected

Belonging to professional organizations & LinkedIn groups can provide you with networking, informational interviewing, & job shadowing opportunities, as well as assist you with finding internships and jobs.
American Society for Investigative Pathology American Academy of Forensic Sciences American Society for Crime Lab Directors Forensic Scientists Online LinkedIn Group List of Professional Organizations The Career Connector for Purdue College of Science Students & Alumni
Get Experience
Internships
Websites for some of the state and federal programs include:

*You may also want to check with private forensic labs to see if they have internships available.
Forensic science volunteer programs
When you join a volunteer program, you will not receive any salary or compensation, but you will learn valuable lessons that can be applied to your forensic training. The volunteer programs will likely be related to basic criminal justice or law enforcement, as opposed to actually "practicing" any forensic science. Such programs will, however, give you an introduction to the criminal justice field and acquaint you with some forensic scientists. As a forensic science volunteer, you will also provide valuable help to law enforcement professionals and the community.

To find an opportunity, contact your municipal police department or county sheriff's office and inquire about volunteer programs. They will likely have a program that will provide you with experience as a registration aide, victim assistor, data entry clerk, or another job. Though this work may not be specifically related to forensics, you will gain a valuable introduction to the world of criminal justice.
Forensic science research programs
To join a forensic science research program, you should check with private laboratories and businesses in addition to traditional colleges and universities. There are many options available in the private sector.

Find a Program
Forensic Science and CSI Resource Research & Internship Listings
Find a Job
Job Search Sites Related to Your Major
Information retrieved from http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/129/Forensic_Pathologist#Tab=Overview, http://www.itsgov.com/forensic-pathologist-salary-requirements-education.html

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Purdue College of Science, Purdue University

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Forensic pathologists, or medical examiners, are specially trained physicians who examine the bodies of people who died suddenly, unexpectedly, or violently. A forensic pathology practitioner will analyze the medical history of the deceased individual and crime scene evidence and witness testimonials, perform an autopsy to assess whether death was caused by injury or disease, as well to collect further evidence from the body.