Deputy Medical Examiner - Pathologist

The Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) is seeking applicants for the position of Deputy Medical Examiner (Forensic Pathologist).

An employee in this class performs postmortem examinations in cases coming under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner's Office in order to determine cause of death and manner of death.  The work also involves visiting scenes of deaths and examining undisturbed bodies in cases where there may be a concern of a homicidal manner of death, as well as working with law enforcement and the District Attorney to assist in directing the preliminary investigation of such cases.  Performs related work under the direction of the Chief Medical Examiner, as required.

OUR MISSION

The Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner is a multi-agency accredited forensic science resource. Using both national and internationally approved standards of science, we strive to improve the public health, safety, and wellbeing of our residents.

POSITION DETAILS:

• Performs postmortem examinations;

• Collects, reviews, and ensures proper disposition of physical evidence, as warranted;

• Evaluates the results of postmortem ancillary studies including but not limited to toxicology, histology, chemistry, and microbiology;

• Reviews antemortem medical records; consults with clinicians, and communicates with decedents’ family, friends, and associates, as needed;

• Generates written reports of findings and conclusions of examinations and investigations;

• Provides guidance to Medical Forensic Investigators;

• Provides quality assurance for cremation clearances and cases referred to, but not accepted by, the Medical Examiner’s Office;

• Communicates with law enforcement and the District Attorney regarding cases;

• May testify at a variety of legal proceedings concerning findings and observations;

• Teaches and oversees medical and physician assistant students and residents;

• May perform related duties and responsibilities as directed by the Chief Medical Examiner.

Salary: $208,000

Position Schedule: Monday through Friday

*Note: There is rotating weekend and holiday coverage, and rotating evening call. 

*This position does not offer relocation assistance at this time

**Sponsorship is not available for this role

**Residence in Suffolk, NY is not a requirement.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a license to practice medicine in the State of New York, and valid certification by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology (AP) or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP); and either:

a) Valid certification by the American Board of Pathology in Forensic Pathology (FP); or

b) Completion of twelve (12) months of training in a forensic pathology program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

ADDITIONAL POSITION DETAILS:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, techniques, literature, and current developments in the fields of anatomic pathology and forensic pathology

• Good knowledge of principles, practices, methods, techniques, literature, and current developments in the fields of general medicine and surgery

• Ability to tactfully obtain accurate information from outside sources through interviews and observations

• Ability to exercise independent judgment, critical thinking, deductive reasoning, and ingenuity in addressing complex problems

• Ability to communicate tactfully and professionally with colleagues, outside agencies, and the general public

• Ability to present ideas effectively both orally and in writing

• Honesty

• Integrity

• Discretion/confidentiality

• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

About Suffolk County Medical Examiner Department

• The Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner Department is an 85,000 square foot facility physically located in Hauppauge in the North County Complex off of Veterans Memorial Highway. The Division is comprised of the Medical Forensic, Toxicology, and Crime Laboratory Sections. The Public and Environmental Health Laboratory is housed in the same facility, but under the administration of the Division of Environmental Quality.

• The Medical Forensic Section investigates about 6200 deaths per year and performs about 1300 autopsy examinations per year. The Forensic Medical Investigators are all Registered Physician Assistants, and the Pathologists are fulltime Medical Examiners.

• Medicolegal death investigations are conducted by staff physician assistants, who play an active role in establishing the database for the pathologists.

Our Community

The Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner is located in Hauppauge, New York, centrally located in Suffolk County, Long Island which is widely accessible by the Long Island Regional Railroad (LIRR) to New York City’s Penn Station.  Suffolk County offers a rich variety of recreational activities, including beaches, parks, hiking, excellent wineries, and many revitalized downtown communities.  It is home to several colleges and universities, including Stony Brook University, Farmingdale State College, and Suffolk County Community College. It is also home to the Long Island Ducks, a professional baseball team in the independent Atlantic League.

Suffolk County’s Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Equity:

• Our focus is to promote, support, and implement the County-wide diversity and inclusion strategic plan.
• We achieve results in all our responsibilities through the use of diversity and inclusion best practices.
• We maintain a familiarity with Diversity & Inclusion trends and best practices.

Suffolk County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, disability that can be reasonably accommodated without undue hardship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.