Ast/Asc/Full Professor Health Program Fixed Term

Ast/Asc/Full Professor Health Program Fixed Term

The Chief and Deputy Chief Medical Examiners/Forensic Pathologists will lead the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM)'s expanding forensic pathology program, overseeing medicolegal death investigation services for Kent and Ottawa Counties, and providing consultative autopsy expertise for other Michigan jurisdictions. Based in Grand Rapids, Michiganone of the Midwest's most vibrant and livable citiesthis is an opportunity to shape a modern, accredited medical examiner system within a Big Ten, AAU-member university known for innovation, integrity, and public service.

As Chief, the successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring NAME accreditation standards are upheld, providing leadership in forensic pathology operations, policy development, and quality assurance. The Chief must be a pathologist certified in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology (or international equivalent), licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in Michigan, and have a minimum of two years of forensic pathology experience beyond fellowship training. The position includes the authority to appoint and supervise Deputy and Associate Medical Examiners, ensuring that qualified pathologists are available for autopsy coverage when the Chief is unavailable. The Chief will lead a team currently staffed at 2.5 FTEs, fostering a collegial, academically integrated environment that supports both public service and education.

Both roles will perform forensic autopsies, medicolegal death investigations, and related professional services as required under Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL 52.201 et seq). In addition, they contribute to hospital-based pathology, including hospital autopsies, and support the education and training of medical students, residents, and fellows. These roles require extensive interaction with county health departments, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, the legal community, and other external partners. The physicians also serve as expert witnesses in court proceedings, participate in hospital trauma conferences, and deliver didactic teaching.

This is more than a public officeit's a unique opportunity to build and oversee a new, collaborative forensic pathology program at MSU, working closely with the university's forensic anthropologists, developing a forensic pathology fellowship, and contributing to statewide and international forensic education through MSU's Global Health Institute. The roles also include faculty appointment and expectations for teaching, mentorship, and scholarly activityincluding research, publications, and presentations that advance public health and forensic science.

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.