Medical Examiner

Medical Examiner's Office honored with “Champion of Sight” award

Jennifer.Dunlay@jocogov.org — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:45:12 +0000

Medical Examiner's Office honored with “Champion of Sight” award Jennifer.Dunla… Fri, 11/21/2025 - 10:45 November 21, 2025

The Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office received special recognition on Nov. 20 when Saving Sight presented the department with its Champion of Sight Award. Megan Euler, Partnership Support Manager for Saving Sight, delivered the award during a visit to the office, praising staff for their commitment to supporting families and facilitating tissue donation.

Euler said the award honors partners who show exceptional dedication to making eye donation possible. "Champions of Sight partners show compassion, resilience and a love for what they do each day," she said. "They demonstrate an outstanding passion for supporting the eye donation process."

She highlighted the MEO team for consistently honoring donors and upholding families’ wishes to give the gift of sight. Euler acknowledged the challenges that can arise in the donation process and thanked the team for their continued support even in difficult circumstances.

Between January and September 2025, the MEO helped make a significant impact:

84 tissues were placed for transplant.
15 tissues were used for research and training.
62 families received support throughout the donation process.

"These numbers represent lives changed and hope restored," Euler said. "Thank you for being our Champion of Sight."

Department:

Health and Environment

Medical Examiner

Category:

News

Unclaimed Cremated Remains Laid to Rest in Shawnee

ashley.follett@jocogov.org — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:17:17 +0000

Unclaimed Cremated Remains Laid to Rest in Shawnee ashley.follett… Wed, 10/29/2025 - 11:17 October 29, 2025

On Oct. 2, 2025, Dr. Diane Peterson and other members of the Medical Examiner’s Office joined Parker Amos of Amos Funeral Home for the burial of unclaimed cremated remains at Pleasant View/Shawnee Cemetery in Shawnee, Kansas.

The burial plot was donated by the City of Shawnee. The vault and interment services were donated by Wilbert Funeral Services, Inc., and grave opening and closing services were provided by Leintz Lawn and Construction.

The cremated remains were those of 57 individuals who passed away between 2018 and 2024. Of those, 25 were county cremations arranged by the MEO. The remaining cremains were unclaimed remains from Amos Funeral Home’s sister company, Cremation Center of Kansas City.

As required by state statute, the Johnson County Coroner/Medical Examiner is responsible for arranging the disposition of individuals who have no identified next-of-kin or whose family is unable to make funeral arrangements.

The MEO makes every effort to locate and notify family members before proceeding with a county cremation. Although state law requires a minimum of 96 hours before disposition, the MEO often spends weeks or months trying to locate next-of-kin.

County cremations have been performed at Amos Funeral Home for many years. In addition, Amos Funeral Home routinely exceeds the statutory requirement of storing unclaimed remains for 90 days before final disposition.

MEO staff joined Amos Funeral Home for this burial to honor and remember the individuals who passed.

Below are the names of the unclaimed remains. If your loved one is among the list, please contact the Medical Examiner’s Office at dhe-johnsoncountymeo@jocogov.org or 913-826-3510 for more information.

Clifford Herbert Wormcke
Larry Michael Flippin
Mark C Holman
James D Russell
Arthur McElroy
Jerrie Pearl Mosely
Roger Niell Wilbanks
Karen Kaye Pederson
Patrick Charles Byrne
Carmen Pontingo Quintanar
Erik Wayne Walker

Department:

Health and Environment

Medical Examiner

Category:

News

Johnson County Medical Examiner recognized for excellence by the Midwest Transplant Network

Jennifer.Dunlay@jocogov.org — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 16:41:25 +0000

Johnson County Medical Examiner recognized for excellence by the Midwest Transplant Network Jennifer.Dunla… Wed, 07/03/2024 - 11:41 July 8, 2024

The Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office was recently recognized for excellence in donation by the Midwest Transplant Network.

With a 44% tissue conversion rate and 65 recovered tissue donors, the Medical Examiner's Office has helped over 5,000 recipients. The Medical Examiner's Office also recovered 29 organ donors for the transplant network.

"Dr. Peterson and her staff consistently go the extra mile to partner with MTN to facilitate donation," said Brad Marten, MTN Funeral Home, Medical Examiner & Coroner Liaison, at the award ceremony on April 23.

The Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office was the first medical examiner office in the Midwest Transplant Network's service area to implement an electronic referral system. This system developed two years ago, set the standard for other Medical Examiner's offices for direct referrals.

Department:

Health and Environment

Medical Examiner

Category:

News

Unclaimed Persons

Jennifer.Dunlay@jocogov.org — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 19:42:18 +0000

Unclaimed Persons Jennifer.Dunla… Tue, 08/29/2023 - 14:42

The Johnson County, Kansas Medical Examiner’s Office seeks the assistance of the public to help locate next of kin and/or friends to claim remains.

Efforts are made to locate the next of kin to claim the body, including posts on this website and social media, comprehensive internet searches and local law enforcement resources. If no responses are generated, the process will begin for Johnson County to take jurisdiction and begin county disposition procedures.

If you have any information about these individuals or know where their next of kin may be located and/or how to contact them, call 913-826-3511 or email meoinvestigators@jocogov.org.

No persons are unclaimed at this time.

Unidentified Persons

Man of about 5'7" with a thin build and a tattoo on the back found early April 2023 near U.S Highway 69 under the 103rd Street overpass. View on Facebook.

Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office receives full accreditation by the National Association of Medical Examiners

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 16:19:04 +0000

Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office receives full accreditation by the National Association of Medical Examiners tim.dodderidge… Tue, 06/06/2023 - 11:19 June 6, 2023

The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment is pleased to announce that the Medical Examiner’s Office has been granted full accreditation status through the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), effective May 2023 through May 2027.

The accreditation process consists of a rigorous inspection of the facility and review of the office practices, including the implementation of policies and procedures. NAME accreditation signifies that the highest quality death investigation system has been attained.

“The MEO staff have worked hard since the facility opened in 2020 to achieve NAME accreditation,” says Dr. Diane Peterson, Chief Medical Examiner. “We are happy our efforts have been recognized.”

The MEO’s mission is to provide exemplary, timely service in a compassionate way to the families of our community and operate at the highest level of professional standards.

Department:

Health and Environment

Medical Examiner

Category:

News Releases

Annual Reports

Claudia.Twidwell@jocogov.org — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 18:16:39 +0000

Annual Reports Claudia.Twidwe… Tue, 06/21/2022 - 13:16

Frequently Asked Questions

Claudia.Twidwell@jocogov.org — Wed, 04 May 2022 14:48:57 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions Claudia.Twidwe… Wed, 05/04/2022 - 09:48

After receiving the report of a death, an investigation will be completed by a Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI). The Medicolegal Death Investigator’s job is to collect information for the Medical Examiner. The investigation may or may not require a scene investigation, depending on the circumstances of the case.

If certain requirements are met, the body will be taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office for an examination. Some individuals who are brought to the Medical Examiner’s Office will receive only an external examination and CT imaging. Other cases will require full autopsies to determine cause and manner of death. The decision of what type of examination to perform is at the discretion of the Medical Examiner on duty.

The Chief Medical Examiner and Deputy Medical Examiner are licensed physicians certified by the American Board of Pathology in anatomic, clinical and forensic pathology. Both doctors also serve as coroners for the county.

If visual identification was not made by family or friends at the death scene, identification will be made by fingerprints, x-rays, dental records and/or photographic comparison. This is completed by the Medical Examiner on duty.

An autopsy is a surgical procedure consisting of a thorough external and internal examination of a deceased person in order to identify the cause and manner of death (how the death occurred: natural, accidental, homicide, suicide, undetermined). During the procedure, the body is opened in a manner that does not typically interfere with an open casket service.

Families may wish to forgo an autopsy due to religious, cultural or other reasons. If this is the case, please contact our office and a Medical Examiner can discuss options with you. Please keep in mind some autopsies are required by law, regardless of family’s wishes.

There is no charge for autopsies performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office. Fees are paid by tax dollars.

The legal next-of-kin should call the Medical Examiner’s Office as soon as they have chosen a funeral home. The office will work directly with the funeral home for transportation after the exam is completed.

Only the next-of-kin can grant permission for postmortem tissue/organ donation. The deceased individual must meet certain criteria to be eligible for organ, tissue and/or whole-body donation. Additionally, deaths under the investigation of the Medical Examiner’s Office require the approval of the Medical Examiner for donation.

Donation is evaluated and approved on a case-by-case basis; however, circumstances of the death can prevent donation from occurring. Additional information on organ and tissue donation can be found at saving-sight.org or mwtn.org.

Pending status means the Medical Examiner’s Office is waiting for results from various tests taken at the autopsy, including toxicology tests. In this case a “preliminary” death certificate will be issued, which may be used for closing out bank accounts and most things that need to be done after the passing.

All items brought into the Medical Examiner’s Office are inventoried, stored and released to the funeral home along with the body after the exam has been completed. In some cases, belongings are released to law enforcement when classified as evidence.

It is recommended that families contact the funeral home to set up a viewing after the autopsy has been completed.

A list of prices for all area funeral homes can be found at funeralskc.org.

Death certificates may be ordered through the chosen funeral home. Another option is to order a copy of a death certificate from the state vital records office in the jurisdiction where the death occurred. The person obtaining a copy of the death certificate must be an interested party who can provide the necessary information for the decedent. There will be a fee for every copy of the certificate ordered from either the funeral home or the state vital records office. Death certificates are not available through the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Please complete the KORA Request Form.

Johnson County joins national opioid settlement to receive funds to address epidemic

theresa.freed@jocogov.org — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 21:18:36 +0000

Johnson County joins national opioid settlement to receive funds to address epidemic theresa.freed@… Tue, 01/11/2022 - 15:18 January 11, 2022

Johnson County has recently entered into the Kansas Opioid Memorandum of Understanding after previously pursuing separate litigation against the pharmaceutical industry for perpetuating the opioid epidemic. The county has spent resources addressing this form of substance abuse through the criminal justice system, emergency services, mental health services and drug treatment programs.

During a December Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board unanimously voted to support the move that will allow the county to participate in multi-national settlements that are expected to make available millions of dollars in funding to the county.

The change in approach coincides with a recent spike in opioid-related overdose deaths in the county. Johnson County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Diane Peterson says these deaths are primarily attributed to the illicit opioid fentanyl – a non-pharmaceutical-created opioid. The total occurrences of an opiate being listed as the cause of death in 2021, through the Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office, was 86. In 2019, it was 34.

“Since late 2020, we’ve seen a large increase in the times an opiate was involved in a death,” said. Dr. Peterson. “Most of the individuals who are dying have more than one opiate in their system. It’s not just fentanyl. It’s not just oxycodone. They’re combining it with other drugs, such as benzodiazepines, like alprazolam or Xanax. It doesn’t take much fentanyl to kill you. It takes even less acetyl fentanyl.”

Dr. Peterson says this epidemic impacts a wide range of ages, but primarily men.

Although jurisdictions across the country are party to litigation and settlements, this MOU is expected to give the county the best possible chance of maximizing settlement funds to address the effects of this crisis.

Funds will be distributed through the Kansas Attorney General’s Office’s Kansas Fights Addiction Fund and the Municipalities Fight Addiction Fund. Deputy County Manager Maury Thompson says settlement dollars could be distributed to Johnson County as early as this spring.

“The board agreed to enter into litigation to hold those accountable for this action and the increased costs that as a local county government we’ve seen,” said Thompson. “Those settlements are starting to come to fruition. There will be some direct reimbursement to counties, and there will be a statewide grant program established that Johnson County will have full access to make application to for those resources as well.”

The additional resources to address the epidemic can’t come soon enough, as the county continues to fight this epidemic. Johnson County Mental Health Center Division Director of Clinical Services Deb Stidham says the highly addictive nature of opioids can take hold and lead to grave consequences for individuals using these substances and their loved ones.

“There’s just a strong potential for addiction,” said Stidham. “Between the fact that opiates are already such a powerful drug, and then you add fentanyl, it’s really just not a great combination. Plus, we’re seeing this synthetic fentanyl being intertwined with other drugs. It can be anything these kids and adults are taking, and sometimes they don’t know.”

Stidham says in the beginning of the opioid epidemic, prescription painkillers, such as Oxycontin, were over prescribed and there was extensive addiction. Physician education improved those circumstances, but then the trend evolved into heroin addiction. And now fentanyl and the synthetic opiates dominate the epidemic.

JCMHC offers mental health and co-occurring substance use disorder treatments for youth and adults. Stidham urges those suffering from substance use disorder to get help. Visit the JCMHC webpage to get connected with resources. Family resources are also available.

Learn more about the opioid epidemic and settlement by listening to the latest JoCo on the Go podcast, which includes Dr. Peterson, Thompson and Stidham. The podcast is also available as a webcast. Feel free to use soundbites/quotes from the episode.

Department:

Medical Examiner

Category:

News

News Releases

Family Resources for Grief and Support

Brett.Williamson@jocogov.org — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 14:49:06 +0000

Family Resources for Grief and Support Brett.Williams… Fri, 10/01/2021 - 09:49

Understanding Your Options for Funeral Services

Paying for funeral expenses can be a large burden on families. The MEO, as a government entity, cannot refer families to funeral homes. We encourage you to consult with family and friends for recommendations. Information regarding pricing for local funeral services can be found on the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Greater Kansas City website.

Grief Resources

We recognize that the death of a loved one is extremely difficult. There is no “right way” to grieve, and everyone processes their grief differently. It is almost always helpful to talk with someone about the intense grief reactions that follow the loss of a loved one, whether it is with other family members, friends, clergy or a local grief support group. Below you will find mental health resources for the community.

Kansas Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-785-841-2345

Johnson County Kansas Co-Responder Program

https://ims.jocogov.org/docs/crc/News/MHCoResponder.pdf

Co-responders are crisis therapists who work with Johnson County Mental Health Center (JCMHC) and local law enforcement agencies.
Co-responders assist individuals with getting connected to appropriate community services and resources.
After traumatic loss, co-responders are available by phone or can meet with individuals, alongside an officer, to discuss resources and available options.
If you’d like to talk with a co-responder, you can find one available in your area by using the website listed above.
If you have an urgent mental health need or want to talk to someone right away, call Johson County Mental Health 24/7 crisis line at 913-268-0156.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Burial Benefits

Assistance for service members, Veterans, and their families in the planning and payment for a burial or memorial service
816-861-4700 Ext. 52431

Chaplain

Chaplain’s serve people of all faiths and denominations as well as patients and families.
They are here to listen and offer spiritual and emotional support.
Kansas City VA Medical Center Room M1-574
816-861-4700 Ext. 52180

Survivor Outreach Services (SOS)

SOS is an Army program developed to serve Surviving Families of the Fallen. SOS provides long-term support, resources, and emotional connections by maintaining a continual relationship between Survivors and the Army
600 Thomas Ave., Ft. Leavenworth, 66027
913-684-2837

Solace House- Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care

https://www.kchospice.org/solacehouse/
Services for children aged 3 through adults
Grief support groups
Individual, couples and family grief counseling services
(913) 341-0318

Saint Luke’s Home Care and Hospice

https://www.saintlukeskc.org/news/coping-strategies-your-grief-journey-bereavement-coordinators-saint-lukes-hospice
Support group sessions
Saint Luke’s South Hospital, 12300 Metcalf Ave., OP, KS 66213 Conference Room A
Second and fourth Wednesdays, 3:30p.m., except for holidays.
816-502-8917

GriefNet.Org

An internet community of persons dealing with grief, death, trauma, and major loss.
Support groups for adults and children

The Compassionate Friends

https://www.compassionatefriends.org
Online communities, private Facebook groups, and local chapters of support groups for grieving families.
Information on how to help an employee/coworker experiencing emotional stress with loss.

Infant Loss Resources

www.infantlossresources.org
Individual and family grief support
Ongoing telephone support and written correspondence through the first year after the death and beyond.

AdventHealth Shawnee Mission

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group

Community Education Room AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Campus
First and third Thursday, 7-8:30 pm
913-632-4223 call for more information

Widow Friendship Exchange

Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from 5-6:30 pm.
Call 816-223-4786 for more information

Suicide Awareness Survivor Support

http://www.sass-mokan.com/
Woodland Hills Building – Advent Health/Shawnee Mission Medical Center Campus 7315 E Frontage Rd. Suite 255 Shawnee Mission, KS 66204
(913) 681-3050
2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 6:30pm, except for holidays

Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing (GRASP)

www.jfskc.org
Support groups for those who have lost someone to substance use
Meets the 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8pm
9091 State Line Road, KS, MO 64114 Rainbow Room on the 3rd floor (enter building on the north side)
913-327-8250

Lemon Aid

https://www.sixftover.org/lemon-aid
Financial assistance for the costs associated with the loss of a loved one to suicide
Emotional and resource support
Email: info@sixftover.org

Parents of Murdered Children

https://POMC.org
https://kcpomc.com/
Offer support to families and friends of homicide victims.
First Friday’s 7pm
Our Lady of Sorrows Church 2552 Gillham Rd, KC, MO 64063
816-850-4200

Mothers in Charge

http://www.kcmothersincharge.org/
Provide peer-to-peer comfort, care, and support to family members.
Offer crisis-line support, make home visits, assist with arrangement needs, and help navigating the criminal justice system.
Email: admin@kcmothersincharge.org
816-912-2601

Find Help

www.findhelp.org
Find free or reduced-cost resources like bereavement, Burial & Funeral help, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more.

Educational Opportunities

Brett.Williamson@jocogov.org — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 14:40:40 +0000

Educational Opportunities Brett.Williams… Fri, 10/01/2021 - 09:40

Thank you for exploring field experience opportunities with the Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office. We offer hands-on internships and rotations designed to enrich learning in forensic pathology, death investigation, toxicology, and related fields. These educational experiences are available to qualified medical and college students through partnerships with academic institutions across the region.

Memorandum of Understanding

Pathology residents and medical students from any institution may elect to complete a forensic pathology rotation at the MEO. The Johnson County Medical Examiner’s Office currently has teaching affiliations and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the following educational programs. If you do you not see your school or program please contact your school's education coordinator.

University of Kansas Medical Center
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
West Virginia University School of Medicine
Kansas City University School of Osteopathic Medicine
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Anderson University
Emporia State University
Lincoln Memorial University
Pittsburg State University

Medical Student Rotations

The MEO offers four-week rotations to third and fourth year allopathic and osteopathic medical students. During the rotation, the medical student will:

Review death investigation reports
Observe and participate in all aspects of autopsy cases, to include pre-exam radiology, microscopic slide review, and toxicology and ancillary test review
- Students will only observe homicides, child deaths, suspicious deaths, and those deaths with pending litigation
Accompany medicolegal death investigators (MDIs) to scenes
Tour the in-house toxicology lab.

Medical students will be required to prepare a formal case presentation on a relevant topic of their choice to be presented to the staff at the conclusion of their rotation.

College Internships

The MEO accepts college students for unpaid internships throughout the year. Interns must be at least 18 years of age and must be enrolled in a post-secondary educational program in a relevant field of study (i.e., criminal justice, forensic science, biology, anthropology, etc.). An internship agreement, vaccination record and valid identification will be required prior to the start of the internship. College interns will:

Observe and assist in a limited capacity with autopsies
Accompany medicolegal death investigators (MDIS) to scenes
Assist with in-house projects, as available.

Internships and Rotations

Program Areas	Length of Assignment	Total Hours
MEO Death Investigator Internship	Academic calendar year or summer	Approximately 180 hours+
MEO Forensic Pathology Internship	At least 4 weeks, Monday thru Friday	Approximately 160 hours+

Apply for MEO Investigator Internship

Student Application

Jobs in a Medical Examiner’s Office: Education Requirements & Q&A's

Here’s a quick list of common positions:

Title	Main Responsibilities
Chief Medical Examiner	Performs autopsies, manages staff, budget, certifies deaths, testifies in court and interagency coordination
Deputy Medical Examiner	Conducts autopsies, certifies deaths, testifies in court
Medicolegal Death Investigator	Responds to death scenes, interviews families, gathers case information
Forensic Toxicologist	Analyzes biological samples for drugs and toxins
Forensic Technician	Assists autopsies, performs x-rays, handles samples and documentation
Office Administrator	Manages records and communication logistics

Q: What inspired people to become forensic pathologists?

A: Many FPs develop a passion for anatomy early in life. Some were inspired by family experiences (e.g., hunting or farming), while others took a death investigation course in college or witnessed an autopsy. Exposure to real-world forensic settings—like a mock crime scene or autopsy viewing—often solidifies the interest.

Q: What’s the difference between a forensic pathologist, a medical examiner, and a coroner?

A: A forensic pathologist (FP) is a medical doctor with specialized training in autopsy and death investigation.
A medical examiner (ME) is usually a forensic pathologist, but in some states, the title may be used for non-doctor investigators.
A coroner is often an elected official and may not be a physician, depending on the state. In Kansas, coroners must be physicians but not necessarily pathologists.

Q: How do I become a forensic pathologist?

A: The typical path is:

High School Diploma
4-year Bachelor’s Degree (any major, but must include pre-med courses)
4 years of Medical School (MD or DO)
3–4 year Residency in Anatomic Pathology (or Anatomic + Clinical Pathology)
1-year Forensic Pathology Fellowship
Board Certification in Pathology and Forensic Pathology
Ongoing licensing and continuing education

Q: What does the training process cost and how long does it take?

A: It takes at least 13 years post–high school. Medical school tuition alone can exceed $380,000. Other costs include:

Board exams ($700–$2,600 each)
Travel for interviews and exams
Study materials, licensing fees, etc.
Trainees typically earn about $55,000/year during residency. Vacation time is limited, and most of it is spent studying or preparing for boards.

Q: What should I do before committing to this path?

A: Shadow a forensic pathologist. Understand the demands and lifestyle. Many students enter medicine only to realize later that it's not the right fit—yet the debt remains. Be sure you’re passionate and realistic before committing over a decade and six figures of investment.

Q: What does a forensic pathologist do on a daily basis?

A: Daily responsibilities include:

Performing autopsies and determining cause/manner of death
Reviewing medical records and toxicology reports
Communicating with families, law enforcement, and attorneys
Writing detailed reports and testifying in court
Teaching medical students, residents, and fellows
Attending meetings and maintaining records

Q: What skills and personality traits are important for success?

A: You need:

A strong stomach for smells, sights, and bodily trauma
Excellent communication skills (especially with non-medical audiences)
Attention to detail
High emotional intelligence and professionalism
Curiosity, resilience, and a sense of humor

Q: What is the job market like for forensic pathologists?

A: Extremely strong. There’s a nationwide shortage of FPs, so jobs are readily available. It’s a secure and in-demand profession.

Q: What salary range can I expect?

Entry-level forensic pathologists: $130,000–$160,000/year
Senior roles (e.g., Chief ME or private practice): significantly higher
Government positions tend to pay less than private-sector jobs, but offer benefits and stability.

Q: Are there opportunities for advancement or self-employment?

A: Yes. You can advance to roles like:

Chief Medical Examiner
Academic faculty
Private autopsy consultant
You can also specialize further in areas like pediatric or neuropathology.

Q: What kinds of volunteer or job experiences help prepare for this career?

A: Valuable experiences include:

Volunteering in a morgue or hospital
Research jobs in biology or medicine
Working as an EMT, CNA, or scribe
Participating in cadaver labs or anatomy instruction
These show you're well-rounded and committed to medical training.

Q: Can undergraduate students work in this field?

A: Not typically in paid roles, but volunteering is possible. Most forensic technician jobs are full-time and not ideal for full-time students.

Q: What coursework is helpful in college?

A: In addition to pre-med science courses:

Anatomy
Microbiology
Psychology
Ethics
Communication or public speaking
Any subject you enjoy—medical schools prefer well-rounded applicants

Q: What is the long-term career potential?

A: The field offers unlimited growth. Whether you want to lead an office, start your own business, or teach at a medical school, there are many options to tailor your path.

Q: Is this career emotionally difficult?

A: It can be. You’ll see traumatic injuries, child deaths, and grieving families. But many FPs find great purpose in helping answer questions for families and serving justice through medical evidence.

Q: Final advice for students considering this path?

Keep an open mind in undergrad and medical school
Take a variety of courses
Don’t specialize too early
Be honest with yourself about the time, cost, and demands
If this is what you love, go for it—it’s a fulfilling, fascinating, and important career

Q: What is a medicolegal death investigator?

A: A medicolegal death investigator is an individual who investigates any death that falls under the jurisdiction of a coroner or medical examiner which is statutorily driven and includes all suspicious, violent, unexplained and unexpected deaths. A medicolegal death investigator is concerned with determining the cause and manner of death while also confirming the identity. Whereas law enforcement is responsible for securing the scene and determining if a crime has occurred and by whom. Medicolegal death investigation utilizes skills encompassing medicine and law.

Q: How do I become a medicolegal death investigator?

A: The typical path is:

High School Diploma
Preference for a 4-year bachelor’s degree (typical majors include: criminology, forensics, physiology, biology, chemistry, or a related field)
An internship at a coroner or medical examiner’s office

Q: What kinds of volunteer or job experiences help prepare for this career?

A: Valuable experiences include:

Volunteering or interning at a Medical Examiner/Coroner Office
Work as an EMT/Paramedic
Work as a Nurse
Work in Law Enforcement
Work in a Funeral Home

Q: What should I do before committing to this path?

A: Shadow, volunteer, or intern at a coroner or medical examiner’s office. Understand the demands and lifestyle. Many students are captivated by the intrigue of the field but are not aware of the demands when it comes to shift work, dealing with grief, and exposure to difficult cases.

Most entry-level positions are for nights and weekends, which can become a taxing lifestyle. There are also times in which a shift may go over the expected time, leading to long shifts and overtime.

Investigators are the main sources of communication with grieving families; this can have a psychological and emotional impact on the investigators such as vicarious trauma and burnout.

Investigators are also charged with responding to scenes, which can have various degrees of burden. They can be exposed to extreme temperatures, hoarding conditions, decapitated buildings, insect infestations, and other adverse conditions.

Q: What are the routine roles and responsibilities of a medicolegal death investigator?

A: Daily responsibilities include:

Answering the phones, potentially speaking to families, funeral homes, medical providers, etc.
Taking reports of death over the phone.
Responding to scenes to complete an investigation.
Writing reports and case notes.
Reviewing medical records.
Speaking with law enforcement.
Locating and communicating with next of kin.

Q: What is the job market like for Medicolegal Death Investigators?

A: Stable but small and competitive. The demand is dependent on the local government budgets and population size.

Q: What salary range can I expect?

Entry-level medicolegal death investigators: $52,000-$75,000/year (location dependent)
Senior roles (e.g., Chief MDI or supervisors): $80,000-$120,000/year (location dependent)

Q: Are there opportunities for advancement?

A: Yes. You can advance to roles like:

MDI II
MDI III
Shift Lead
Shift Supervisor
Deputy Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator
Chief Medicolegal Death Investigator

Q: Are there certifications needed to become a Medicolegal Death Investigator?

A: It depends on the jurisdiction and role. In our office, to promote or be hired as an MDI II or MDI III, you are required to have passed the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Registry Certification. To promote or be hired as a Deputy Chief or Chief MDI you are required to have passed the ABMDI Board Certification.

Q: What is forensic toxicology?

A: Toxicology is the study of the adverse effects of drugs and chemicals on biological systems. Forensic toxicology involves the application of toxicology in the context of law or medicolegal investigations.

Q: What are the main forensic toxicology disciplines?

A: The field of forensic toxicology includes several sub-disciplines, such as:

Postmortem forensic toxicology
Human performance toxicology
Forensic drug testing

At the Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO), postmortem forensic toxicology is used to determine whether prescription, illicit, or other drugs are present and to assist in determining the person’s cause and manner of death.

Q: What is postmortem forensic toxicology?

A: Postmortem toxicology focuses on analyzing biological samples collected during an autopsy—such as blood, urine, tissues, and fluids like vitreous humor—to determine the presence and concentration of drugs, alcohol, and other potentially toxic substances. The primary goal is to help establish the role these substances played as a cause or contributing factor in a person's death. This branch of toxicology involves investigating suspected drug overdoses, homicides, suicides, and unexplained deaths where toxins are a potential factor.

Q: What inspires people to work in the field of forensic toxicology?

A: Many forensic toxicologists develop a passion for the field due to their interest in chemistry and forensic science. This interest is often solidified through exposure to forensic science TV shows, college courses, or internships.

Q: What are the typical positions in a forensic toxicology laboratory?

Technicians: Perform basic analytical duties but do not evaluate or interpret results. May also verify, adjust, and calibrate instrumentation.
Analysts: Conduct, direct, or review the analysis of toxicology samples. Evaluate and interpret data, and may sign reports for legal and investigative purposes.
Toxicologists: Perform and review sample analyses and may be called upon to provide factual information, interpretations, and expert opinions based on toxicology findings for legal and investigative purposes.

Q: What are the routine roles and responsibilities of MEO toxicology laboratory staff?

Forensic Toxicology Technician: Responsible for case accessioning, specimen handling under chain of custody, basic testing preparation and procedures, initial data review, and clerical tasks for laboratory reporting.
Toxicology Forensic Scientist: Conducts or assists with sample analysis, data evaluation and review, equipment operation, and troubleshooting.
Chief Toxicologist: Manages laboratory operations, performs testing and data review, issues case reports, consults with medical examiners, oversees the quality management system, and ensures compliance with accreditation standards and policies.

Education & Training

Q: What are the educational requirements in forensic toxicology?

Technicians: An Associate’s degree in Natural Science, Applied Science, or Technology is required.
Analysts & Toxicologists: A Bachelor’s degree in Natural Science (preferred areas include Chemistry, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or Biology) or Applied Science (such as Forensic or Medical Sciences) is required. Coursework must include general and organic chemistry with lab components.
- Toxicologists may require an advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) and/or specialized analytical or interpretive coursework.

Q: What coursework is helpful in college?

A: Depending on the position, 16–32 credit hours of chemistry are typically required. Useful courses include forensics, pharmacology, toxicology, instrumental analysis, biostatistics, and ethics.

Q: What does the training and certification process entail?

A: All laboratory roles require completion of a formal, structured training program suited to the job.

Technician: Continuing education is encouraged; certification is not required.
Analyst: Certification is recommended, generally after at least 1 year of experience. Continuing education is required to maintain certification.
Toxicologist: Certification typically requires several years of experience and may be necessary for releasing analytical results.

Q: Can undergraduate students work in the laboratory?

A: No, but seeking out toxicology internships or shadowing opportunities can offer valuable insight into the profession.

Choosing Forensic Toxicology as a Career

Q: What should I do before committing to this path?

A: Shadow a forensic toxicologist or visit a toxicology lab. Understand the job’s demands and be sure you’re passionate about chemistry, lab work, and are emotionally prepared for exposure to difficult or distressing cases.

Q: What kind of volunteer work or job experiences help prepare you for this career?

A: Relevant experiences include laboratory internships or research (preferably in chemistry or toxicology) and opportunities to improve public speaking and communication skills.

Q: What skills and personality traits are important for success?

A: Key qualities include:

Comfort handling biological specimens
Attention to detail
Critical thinking
Time management
Strong science foundation
Emotional resilience and awareness

Q: Is this career emotionally difficult?

A: It can be, but laboratory staff are generally more insulated from direct case exposure compared to investigative or autopsy staff. Many scientists find purpose in helping families by answering questions through forensic toxicology.

Q: What are the opportunities for advancement and long-term career potential?

A: Career growth depends on your starting position. Entry-level staff can often move into more advanced roles with experience and additional education or certification. Advancement from technician to analyst to toxicologist is possible with proper credentials.

Q: What salary range can I expect?

A: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides data on median pay for forensic science technicians (entry-level). Higher salaries are typically offered for advanced positions, greater experience, advanced degrees, and long tenure. Pay also varies by employment sector (e.g., public vs. private labs).

Q: What is a Forensic Autopsy Technician?

A: A forensic autopsy technician assists the forensic pathologist during autopsies, in examining bodies to determine the cause and manner of death. They perform a variety of tasks, including evisceration, collecting evidence and toxicological specimens, and maintaining the autopsy suite.

Q: What does it take to become a forensic autopsy technician?

A: The typical path is:

High School Diploma
Preference for a 4-year bachelor’s degree (typical majors include: biology, physiology, chemistry, or a related field)
An internship at a coroner or medical examiner’s office
A strong knowledge of anatomical and skeletal anatomy

Q: What are the daily responsibilities of a Forensic Autopsy Technician?

A: A typical day includes tasks such as:

Radiological imaging of the decedents, including full body and dental X-rays, as well as Computed Tomography (CT scan).
Evidence collection and documentation: photography, diagrams, toxicology and DNA specimen collection, fingerprinting and data entry.
Postmortem examination: evisceration/dissection of bodies, weighing organs, closing bodies after examination, cleansing bodies to prepare for funeral home/transport.
Forensic Autopsy Technicians assist in the education of the rotating medical students, instructing them how to draw toxicology specimens as well as evisceration techniques.
Forensic Autopsy Technicians are also responsible for ordering all requested testing, including toxicological testing, microbiology testing: viral and bacterial, including anything from swabs to tissue samples, and histology.

Q: What is the job market like for Forensic Autopsy Technicians?

A: The job market for forensic autopsy technicians is strong, with technicians being in high demand.

Q: What is the salary range for a Forensic Autopsy Technician?

A: The salary range for a forensic autopsy technician varies, with national averages reported between approximately $42,000 and $52,000 annually, and a wider range from about $35,000 to $73,000.

Shadowing and Volunteer Opportunities

Our office is not accepting requests for job shadowing or volunteer opportunities at this time.

Contact Us

For additional questions, please email the education coordinator.