Chief Medical Examiner

Annual Salary - $300,000Lead with Expertise. Serve with Purpose.Rutherford County is seeking an experienced and compassionate Chief Medical Examiner to lead the Office of the Medical Examiner and Regional Forensic Center. This position serves a critical role in protecting public health and supporting the justice system through medicolegal death investigations, forensic pathology, and leadership of forensic operations.As Chief Medical Examiner, you will oversee forensic pathology staff, perform autopsies and postmortem examinations, determine cause and manner of death, preserve evidentiary integrity, collaborate with law enforcement and legal partners, and serve as an expert witness in court proceedings. This position also provides leadership during mass fatality incidents and ensures compliance with accreditation standards and state laws.Essential ResponsibilitiesPerform forensic autopsies and postmortem examinationsDetermine cause and manner of death and prepare final autopsy reportsInvestigate deaths falling under medicolegal jurisdictionInterpret laboratory, toxicology, microscopic, and consultative reportsCollect, preserve, and maintain chain of custody for forensic evidenceComplete and sign death certificates for jurisdictional casesSupervise, direct, mentor, and evaluate forensic pathology staffWork collaboratively with medicolegal death investigators and law enforcement agenciesTestify as an expert witness in criminal and civil court proceedingsConsult with prosecutors, defense attorneys, investigators, and medical professionals regarding case findingsReview and approve cremation requests within the jurisdictionCoordinate forensic operations during mass fatality incidents with emergency response partners, hospitals, and funeral homesSupport National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) accreditation efforts and compliance initiativesParticipate in Child Death Review Committee meetings and other professional activitiesEnsure adherence to safety protocols, infection control standards, and communicable disease reporting requirementsMeet with family members to explain postmortem findings when appropriateMinimum QualificationsDoctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)Licensed physician authorized to practice medicine in the State of TennesseeBoard Certified by the American Board of PathologyCertified Forensic PathologistFive (5) or more years of experience in medicolegal death investigationsValid Tennessee driver's licenseAbility to maintain required continuing education and professional certificationsWhy Join Our Team?This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact through public service by advancing forensic excellence, supporting the justice system, mentoring the next generation of forensic professionals, and helping families and communities find answers during difficult times.Click Here for Chief Medical Examiner Details.pdf