Job Duties
The Virginia OCME is a statewide medical examiner system with four regional district offices encompassing 16 forensic pathologists and a Chief Medical Examiner.
The Tidewater District of the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) that covers the eastern region of Virginia is seeking one (1) experienced forensic pathologist to join the staff of two (2) current forensic pathologists, making a total of three (3) forensic pathologists. This location also has one (1) forensic pathologists’ assistant on staff to support the forensic pathologists.
The Assistant Medical Examiner’s responsibilities include death investigations, postmortem exams, approximately 250 medicolegal autopsies per year, consultations with interested parties, court testimony, and supervision of staff, and other administrative oversight duties. The position advises/ supervises local medical examiners as a part of a 77-year-old statewide medical examiner system. Educational responsibilities include the instruction of forensic pathology fellows, medical students, public safety officers and others. The office has a relationship with three medical schools and multiple universities in Virginia. The pathologist will participate in educational, training and research activities and participate on committees. University appointments are anticipated with rank determined by qualifications. Occasional overnight travel may be required. The Virginia OCME does not perform autopsies on Sundays. This particular office does not currently perform autopsies on Saturdays. Assistant Medical Examiners must be licensed in Virginia to practice medicine. Forensic Pathologists accreditation of the medical examiner system by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) requires Board Certification in Anatomic and Forensic Pathology within two years of employment.
The Virginia Department of Health offers 12 paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and life insurance, retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan) as well as sick, family/personal, and annual leave. The candidate will be eligible for an annual $2,500 allowance to attend conferences for work. Eligible candidates are also eligible for up to $10,000 sign on bonus or up to 80 hours of annual leave loaded.
This is an Open Until Filled Position and applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Minimum Qualifications
• Graduate of approved medical school, postgraduate training in anatomic and forensic pathology; certification as a specialist in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology; licensure to practice medicine in Virginia
• Completion of approved training program in forensic pathology; (at least one year of forensic experience)
• Ability to write and converse competently and clearly in the English language
• Ability to get along with other professionals and community officials
• Ability to communicate effectively as a teacher and a supervisor
Additional Considerations
• Experience with medicolegal death investigations
• Experience with testifying in court
• Advanced training in cardiovascular pathology, neuropathology, pediatric pathology, law or public health is desirable
• University appointment is anticipated with rank determined by qualifications
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Contact Information
Name: Deja Fontenot
Phone: Please email for questions
Email: ov
In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter.