Forensic Pathologist (2024)

Responsibilities

Marathon County, Wisconsin, is seeking a full-time Forensic Pathologist to join their team as the interim Chief Medical Examiner. In early 2025, the county will transition from a lay Medical Examiner’s Office to a physician-run office in preparation for the July 2025 opening of a new $14.8 million, 20,000-square-foot standalone facility, situated in a park-like setting on the Northcentral Technical College campus in Wausau, Wisconsin. Ideally, a second pathologist will join in the summer of 2025 when the facility opens. The initial pathologist will be promoted to either Chief Medical Examiner or Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, depending on experience and interest in the role, which can be negotiated at the time of hire.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of the office’s transformation. The position starts before the facility’s completion, allowing the pathologist to help establish departmental policies and procedures, assist in the recruitment of a second pathologist, and plan for facility operations and the opening. The pathologist(s) will conduct autopsies for Marathon County, regional Coroner and Medical Examiner Offices, and additional Medical Examiner Offices in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Autopsy case volume will be capped at 225-250 autopsies per pathologist at full operational capacity, consistent with NAME autopsy performance standards. Before the facility is completed, the pathologist will perform a limited number of autopsies at a local hospital’s fully furnished autopsy suite. There will be a gradual transition to taking on referral county cases before and after the new facility opens, ensuring a smooth transition and a strong foundation for the office.

The Forensic Pathologist will join a team of dedicated, team-oriented individuals eager to actively participate in the transformation. The team includes an experienced Director of Operations, an Investigations Manager, and full-time Death Investigators, all of whom are ABMDI certified with years of relevant experience. Along with a supportive administration, the Medical Examiner’s Office has excellent working relationships with the medical community, local law enforcement agencies, the District Attorney’s Office, funeral homes, the general public, and other county departments and related agencies.

In addition to strong forensic pathology and leadership skills, the ideal candidate will have a passion for teaching and support the office’s mission to enhance regional education opportunities and improve death investigation standards. This position will collaborate with experienced practitioners in healthcare, public safety, the justice system, death investigation, and related fields to provide continuing education presentations. There will be frequent autopsy observations by students, ranging from technical college students to medical students. Additional teaching opportunities will be available for various staff members through the Medical College of Wisconsin–Central Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point, Northcentral Technical College, and other local colleges and universities.

Marathon County is committed to creating a workplace that provides work-life balance and supports the pursuit of academic interests. An academic appointment at the Medical College of Wisconsin is anticipated, and the pathologist would be supported in accepting this role.

Examples of Work Performed

The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

I. Death Investigation Services:

  • Oversee all death investigations that occur within Marathon County’s jurisdiction to ensure thorough, multidisciplinary investigation in accordance with Wisconsin State Statutes and best practice standards. This includes scene investigation (at times scene response), autopsy, analysis of investigative data, and certification of death certificates. Through coordination with the Director of Operations, ensure that staff are appropriately trained and perform to expectations.
  • Perform forensic autopsies for referral counties, occasional hospital medical autopsies, and at times private family autopsies.
  • Consult with referral county coroner/medical examiners, judicial, law enforcement, and medical personnel regarding autopsy and investigation findings; explain causes of death to relatives of the deceased with the ability to show empathy, compassion, and sensitivity while working with the bereaved families and hearing their concerns.
  • Complete and ensure preservation of physical and medical evidence and case records in accordance with professional standards, state laws and regulations, and NAME guidelines.
  • Provide accurate and objective court testimony.
  • Foster and maintain working relationships with outside agencies that the Medical Examiner’s Office interacts with.
  • Assist in preparing, organizing, and directing the response to disasters that require medical examiner involvement.
  • Share on-call responsibility with other staff physicians; respond to homicide or other suspicious criminal or civil death scenes within Marathon County’s jurisdiction per pathologist discretion.
  • Responsible for promptly reporting communicable disease and other health threats found at autopsy to the Health Department and Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
  • Keep up-to-date on developments, methods, and techniques in forensic pathology.

II. Administrative Duties:

  • Manage, in coordination with the Director of Operations, the performance of operations and functions of the Medical Examiner’s Office to ensure compliance with Wisconsin State Statutes and county policies, including the monitoring of key performance indicators established for the facility by the County Administrator.
  • In coordination with the Director of Operations, establish, evaluate, and monitor policies and operational procedures for death investigation standards, autopsy standards, and the handling of potentially infectious decedents, hazardous chemicals, and equipment to assure optimal protection of personnel.
  • Participate in quality assurance/quality control activities in coordination with the Director of Operations.
  • Participate in educational and informational opportunities through talks, job shadows, and presentations to medical and other students, death investigators, law enforcement, medical and emergency service groups, and other criminal justice and related agencies.
  • Represent the department at public meetings, gatherings, and speaking engagements; attend meetings of the County Board and County Committees to properly respond to elected officials, appointed officials, and citizen needs.
  • Work collaboratively and effectively with referral counties, tissue procurement entities, medical systems, and educational systems that interface with the Medical Examiner’s Office.
  • Opportunity to participate in various research projects with local hospitals and universities.
  • Perform other functions as necessary under the direction of the County Administrator.

Qualifications

  • Must be a graduate of a medical school recognized by the American Medical Association or American Osteopathic Association. Licensed as a physician to practice medicine in the state of Wisconsin with an unrestricted license; or willing to obtain licensure to practice upon employment; or possess a valid temporary permit pending approval of application for Wisconsin licensure.
  • Board certification in anatomic or anatomic and clinical pathology, as well as board certification or actively pursuing and board eligible in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology is required at the time of hire. Formal forensic board certification is required within two years of employment. Three years of experience in forensic pathology, with leadership or teaching experience preferred, but not required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Must maintain all required licenses and accreditations consistent with the industry standards. Maintain individual continuing medical education and assures compliance with licensing and certification is a requirement of employment.
  • Forensic Pathology Fellows are encouraged to apply.
  • NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of or eligibility to obtain an unrestricted Wisconsin driver's license and a driving record that meets County standards. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays on rare occasions.

Compensation

Compensation:

  • Starting salary up to $323,772.80.
  • Starting Salary based on candidate's expertise, experience, education, and certifications.
  • Comprehensive Employee Benefit Package: County Benefits

How to apply

Selection Procedure and Timeline:
Apply at www.JoinMarathonCounty.com or copy the following link: https://ccitc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Marathon_County_Careers/details/Forensic-Pathologist_JR-397

For Consideration: Complete Application and submit Resume, Cover Letter, and References.
Application Deadline: October 14, 2024 at 11:59 PM CST
First Round (Virtual) Interview Dates: Week of October 21-25, 2024
Candidates moving forward in the selection process will undergo an extensive background/criminal investigation: verification of education and certifications, verification of employment record and reference checks, background/criminal check, and a driving record check. Candidates offered employment will be required to submit to and pass the post-offer assessments including a physical and back exam, drug screen, fingerprinting, and a psychological assessment that are paid for by Marathon County.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE: This position may involve occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Refer to the Marathon County Medical Examiner’s Office Exposure Control Plan for more specific information. The position also falls under the Respiratory Care Policy, which includes the use of an N95 respirator and respiratory medical clearance.

Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

Apply

Forensic Pathologist (2024)

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