Physician, usually a pathologist, with specific training in death investigation. The coroner and medical examiner may be one individual, or the medical examiner may work for the coroner’s office.
A public office held by a physician whose responsibility it is to investigate sudden, unexpected, or violent deaths. The role of a medical examiner differs from that of a coroner in that a coroner is not necessarily a physician. A medical examiner brings medical expertise to the evaluation of the medical history and physical examination of the person who died. Medical examiners may be trained in any branch of medicine, but are often pathologists. Most physicians who are medical examiners obtain special training in death investigation.
A physician who is trained and qualified for the task of investigating the cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it. Training usually includes study of pathology and forensic medicine. The examiner is empowered by governmental agencies to represent them, and is expected to make a comprehensive report of findings to judicial or police authorities. The skill of a medical examiner is esp. important in investigating deaths wherein malpractice, homicide, suicide, or other criminal actions are suspected of being a contributing factor.
A governmental official entrusted with the responsibility of scrutinizing fatalities or injuries transpiring under dubious conditions, as well as conducting autopsies subsequent to such occurrences. While the majority of jurisdictions in the United States necessitate the Medical Examiner (ME) to possess a medical degree (MD or DO), certain regions do not mandate any specific medical or scientific expertise for the role.