Chief Medical Examiner

Job Description

Job Description

Annual Salary - $239,150 - $279,563

Lead 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 Responsibilities

• Perform forensic autopsies and postmortem examinations
• Determine cause and manner of death and prepare final autopsy reports
• Investigate deaths falling under medicolegal jurisdiction
• Interpret laboratory, toxicology, microscopic, and consultative reports
• Collect, preserve, and maintain chain of custody for forensic evidence
• Complete and sign death certificates for jurisdictional cases
• Supervise, direct, mentor, and evaluate forensic pathology staff
• Work collaboratively with medicolegal death investigators and law enforcement agencies
• Testify as an expert witness in criminal and civil court proceedings
• Consult with prosecutors, defense attorneys, investigators, and medical professionals regarding case findings
• Review and approve cremation requests within the jurisdiction
• Coordinate forensic operations during mass fatality incidents with emergency response partners, hospitals, and funeral homes
• Support National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) accreditation efforts and compliance initiatives
• Participate in Child Death Review Committee meetings and other professional activities
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, infection control standards, and communicable disease reporting requirements
• Meet with family members to explain postmortem findings when appropriate

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
• Licensed physician authorized to practice medicine in the State of Tennessee
• Board Certified by the American Board of Pathology
• Certified Forensic Pathologist
• Five (5) or more years of experience in medicolegal death investigations
• Valid Tennessee driver's license
• Ability to maintain required continuing education and professional certifications

Why 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.