medical examiner shadowing

[bore da]

I was just wondering if anyone here has shadowed or volunteered at a medical examiner's office (an MD/forensic pathologist one at least, I know the certification necessary depends on the state). I was hoping to do so this summer, as it's something that genuinely interests me and it's something I might want to do if I end up becoming a doctor. I was also curious about clearances as compared to hospitalist shadowing/volunteering... is there more, less, about the same...?

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[inaminute]

I was just wondering if anyone here has shadowed or volunteered at a medical examiner's office (an MD/forensic pathologist one at least, I know the certification necessary depends on the state). I was hoping to do so this summer, as it's something that genuinely interests me and it's something I might want to do if I end up becoming a doctor. I was also curious about clearances as compared to hospitalist shadowing/volunteering... is there more, less, about the same...?

it's not encouraged because it's serious work and your presence could end up killing someone who already has enough health issues.

 

[AnesthesiaMD]

it's not encouraged because it's serious work and your presence could end up killing someone who already has enough health issues.

Is this a poor attempt at humor? Forensic Pathologists work with people who are already dead...

 

[kanelope]

I was just wondering if anyone here has shadowed or volunteered at a medical examiner's office (an MD/forensic pathologist one at least, I know the certification necessary depends on the state). I was hoping to do so this summer, as it's something that genuinely interests me and it's something I might want to do if I end up becoming a doctor. I was also curious about clearances as compared to hospitalist shadowing/volunteering... is there more, less, about the same...?

Make sure you know the terminology in your area before you try to "shadow". My dad is a county medical examiner but he just goes out to confirm that the person is dead (only gets called once every few months) and the body is sent to a bigger city where an actual examination is done.

 

[Vvandenn]

I volunteer at an ME office. They actually let me assist in autopsies (saw skulls open, collect toxicology samples, help remove organs, etc). It's pretty morbid but insanely interesting. All they had me do was sign a few papers and the next day I was in there with them. I highly recommend it though, you'll get over being squeamish REAL fast.

 

[jochi1543]

I think it really depends on the legislation in your area, as well as on the individual. When I tried to shadow an ME in Minneapolis, he said it was against the law to have me there during the autopsy. However, he was very nice and invited me to come in for a tour/Q&A session, which was very helpful. He then encouraged me to contact the ME in St. Paul, saying they might have different laws. But the other guy never even responded!

 

[Vvandenn]

I think it really depends on the legislation in your area, as well as on the individual. When I tried to shadow an ME in Minneapolis, he said it was against the law to have me there during the autopsy. However, he was very nice and invited me to come in for a tour/Q&A session, which was very helpful. He then encouraged me to contact the ME in St. Paul, saying they might have different laws. But the other guy never even responded!

Yeah, apparently where I live (TX) they don't mind students coming in and assisting. 😀

 

[jochi1543]

Yeah, apparently where I live (TX) they don't mind students coming in and assisting. 😀

Yeah, the guy told me only MED students are allowed in. He was also really serious about privacy...he let me view some death records, but only those 60+ years older (one of them involved a guy falling out of an airplane...people don't really die this way anymore ).

 

[Gut Shot]

Make sure you know the terminology in your area before you try to "shadow". My dad is a county medical examiner but he just goes out to confirm that the person is dead (only gets called once every few months) and the body is sent to a bigger city where an actual examination is done.

It sounds like you're dad is a county coroner, rather than a medical examiner.

 

[Drogba]

I volunteer at an ME office. They actually let me assist in autopsies (saw skulls open, collect toxicology samples, help remove organs, etc). It's pretty morbid but insanely interesting. All they had me do was sign a few papers and the next day I was in there with them. I highly recommend it though, you'll get over being squeamish REAL fast.

so cool 😍

 

[kanelope]

It sounds like you're dad is a county coroner, rather than a medical examiner.

Did I mention I live in a strange county....my dad is a county coroner but his title is "Medical Examiner"...so that's why I suggested the OP look into the terminology in his/her area.

 

[Gut Shot]

Did I mention I live in a strange county....my dad is a county coroner but his title is "Medical Examiner"...so that's why I suggested the OP look into the terminology in his/her area.

Interesting. I wonder why your county has to be different?

 

[lizz1702]

If you can do it, I highly recommend it.

My experience was much like Drogba's except I've only gone once, so I didn't actually do any work (sawing, removing organs, etc.) Although there was a younger guy there when I was there who was doing this type of work consistently as shadowing I assume and there was also a foreign med student there too.

Another guy from my school and I went that day. He helped turn over a body and the medical examiner really encouraged us to see and touch and explained what he was doing as he went along. It's a little eerie seeing these lifeless undressed bodies getting cut open and I've never seen so much blood before in my life, but you get over it pretty quickly. In fact, right after we finished, the staff invited us to eat lunch with them. We washed our hands and then went into another room and ate. It was the coolest experience in my undergrad years so far.

Making sure you bring/get the proper attire before you get there if they don't provide it: disposable coveralls (preferably that cover shoes), some disposable (long) gloves, and one of those disposable face visor things.