Overview
Join to apply for the Anatomical Pathology role at Health Match BC
The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Fraser Health is inviting applications for two full-time positions in Forensic Pathology. The Forensic Pathologist is responsible for autopsy investigations conducted into sudden and unexpected or unnatural deaths reportable to the BC Coroners Service (BCCS), in accordance with the Coroners Act, for the province of British Columbia. The purpose of these investigations is to support identification of the decedent together with the cause and manner of death, to provide documentation and expert opinion to assist with resolving civil and criminal matters that arise from a death, and to support the Coroners Service in providing a sound source of data for deaths investigated by coroners in British Columbia as an aid to preventing similar deaths from occurring in the future. The incumbent will serve as a Forensic Pathologist by conducting autopsies (including the provision of expert testimony in court as needed). He or she will also assist the Lead Forensic Pathologist and Chief Medical Officer in areas of Quality Improvement and Assurance and with research as needed. The successful person will be expected, at times, to be the representative of the Lead Forensic Pathologist and the Coroners Service and will fulfill delegated leadership activities as requested by the Chief Medical Officer or the Lead Forensic pathologist, BCCS.
Responsibilities
* Completion of thorough autopsy investigations and preparation of corresponding reports in a timely manner.
* Provide guidance to Coroners and police officers regarding deaths to be investigated, the extent of investigation and the medical history to be obtained.
* Determine, with the Coroner, whether an external examination or complete autopsy is indicated, or if the investigation can be completed by document review.
* Conduct external examination or autopsy, and collect specimens for histology, toxicology, and other specialized tests as needed.
* Collaborate with other experts (e.g., Forensic Anthropologist, Forensic Odontologist) as required to complete coronial investigations.
* Prepare reports outlining findings and conclusions of autopsy investigations in a timely manner.
* Respond to correspondence and inquiries arising from autopsy investigations.
* Provide balanced testimony as an expert witness in courts of law and be accessible for consultations with police and lawyers.
* Respond to subpoenas and coordinate schedules for courtroom testimony with other responsibilities; meet with Crown Prosecutors, Defence Bar, and other counsel as required.
* Provide testimony that clearly communicates interpretation of injuries, cause of death, and related medical issues to judges and juries.
* Promote understanding of Forensic Pathology and death investigation to agencies and individuals outside of the BC Coroners Service.
* Educate and guide BCCS members in death investigations, including on-call duties; serve as a resource and teacher for police, lawyers, medical students, residents, fellows, paramedics, and other professionals.
* Support research or publication efforts undertaken by the Lead Forensic Pathologist or Office of the Chief Medical Officer, BCCS.
Qualifications
* The incumbent must be an M.D. with specialty training and certification in Anatomical or General (Clinical) Pathology and an additional Fellowship in Forensic Pathology, with certification in Forensic Pathology (e.g., RCPSC, ABP, DMJ, or equivalent).
* Knowledge of death investigation, autopsy and external examination techniques, report preparation, and expert testimony.
* Ability to apply the Coroners Act and other applicable British Columbian legislation (e.g., Vital Statistics Act, Public Health Act, Cremation Internment & Funeral Services Act, FOIPPA) to death investigations and BCCS operations.
* Proficiency in computer use (including internet and Microsoft Office) and medical licensure eligibility in British Columbia with a valid driver’s license.
Travel
The incumbent may be asked to travel to other BCCS Post-Mortem Diagnostic Services (PMDS) sites, including Abbotsford, Victoria, Kelowna and Vernon to perform autopsies. The incumbent will be expected to travel to Prince George for two days every four to six weeks (rotating with other forensic pathologists).
Impact of Job
The Forensic Pathologist, BCCS, is responsible for conducting post mortem examinations and death investigation support in BC, in accordance with the Coroners Act. The conclusions drawn in each case are crucial to coroners’ findings and to the resolution of criminal and civil matters arising from these deaths.
Compensation
Compensation Type: Clinical Service Contract
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Health Care Provider
Industries
* Hospitals and Health Care
#J-18808-Ljbffr