Wanting to be a Medical Examiner?

[cardiackid88]

Does anyone know of an osteopathic medical examiner? Not that I am "dead"-set on becoming an ME, but I was just intrigued by watching the role of an ME on tv shows like Law & Order and NCIS (I totally admire Ducky's trivia-type knowledge and anecdotes). Just thought I'd start this thread in the pre-DO section in case others were interested.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Does anyone know of an osteopathic medical examiner? Not that I am "dead"-set on becoming an ME, but I was just intrigued by watching the role of an ME on tv shows like Law & Order and NCIS (I totally admire Ducky's trivia-type knowledge and anecdotes). Just thought I'd start this thread in the pre-DO section in case others were interested.

You can become a medical examiner after you complete forenics pathology residency. There is one DO forenics path residency and about 20+ allopathic residencies.

 

[FutureCTDoc]

Here at NSU-COM, we have the only osteopathic residency in Forensic Path. Here is a link to the osteopathic opportunities site: http://opportunities.osteopathic.or...program_id=167075&hosp_id=119700&returnPage=1
The Nova site is http://medicine.nova.edu/gme/postgrad.html

 

[Katatonic]

We're in the same boat, and yes I've read of DO forensic pathologists so it's definitely possible.

 

[Superman MD]

oooo, do you think that DO med examiners learn special OMM techniques to uncover hidden clues?? haha, just jk! =)

 

[willen101383]

Haha Yum...I did my masters in forensic science....did about a billion autopsies...I think it would get pretty old after a while. I personally dont know any DO MEs personally but know they exist.

 

[amakhosidlo]

Does anyone know of an osteopathic medical examiner?

Yup, I personally know two. Funny, one of them actually wrote my D.O LOR. Not sure what she included for her experience with me in a clinical setting.

Anyway, it's definitely a different lifestyle, and the work can be quite interesting. You really have to have a huge tolerance/insensitivity towards human tragedy though. Some of the stuff M.E's have to deal with will really mess with your head. Oh, and make sure you have a strong stomach too. Dealing with blood and guts is one thing, but dealing with blood and guts that have been rotting for a month and are now maggot infested, is another altogether (Sorry to be graphic, but that's how I knew I didn't want to be an M.E)

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Yup, I personally know two. Funny, one of them actually wrote my D.O LOR. Not sure what she included for her experience with me in a clinical setting.

Anyway, it's definitely a different lifestyle, and the work can be quite interesting. You really have to have a huge tolerance/insensitivity towards human tragedy though. Some of the stuff M.E's have to deal with will really mess with your head. Oh, and make sure you have a strong stomach too. Dealing with blood and guts is one thing, but dealing with blood and guts that have been rotting for a month and are now maggot infested, is another altogether (Sorry to be graphic, but that's how I knew I didn't want to be an M.E)

I use to want to be an ME for those same exact reasons you state. ....UHMMMM I'm thinking I have another contender for possibly career paths.

 

[willen101383]

^^^ one of the autopsies I saw was a man who was hit by a SEPTA bus here in philly doing 50mph....ever see a liquid body?

 

[Bacchus]

Its definitely possible:

http://www.pcom.edu/Department_Web_Pages/dept_path_m_i/Gregory_McDonald_DO/gregory_mcdonald_do.html

 

[jason3278]

When I worked with an ME, they brought in a guy who had been dead in his apartment for about 3 months. This guy had been dead and rotting 2 months prior while I was studying for the MCAT. Weird. It looked like something from a horror film, but I dug right in there. I was actually more grossed out from anatomy lab.

 

[Katatonic]

I wonder how it's looked at if you state your interest in forensic pathology during an interview? I've always wondered if it's a trick "Primary Care or Specialty?" question, but I guess they figure most peopel will change their mind anywayso it doesn't matter.