FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST (PHYSICIAN SPECIALIST)

ABOUT THE MEDICAL EXAMINER:
The Department of Medical Examiner investigates and determines the circumstances, manner, and cause of all violent, sudden, or unusual deaths occurring within Los Angeles County.

In 2024, approximately 18,000 deaths were reported to the Department, and we investigated 11,452 of those cases. Each year, we conduct thousands of postmortem examinations, including full autopsies, partial autopsies, and external examinations. This level of activity, along with the complexity and sensitivity of the cases handled—including numerous high-profile investigations—makes the Department one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated medical examiner’s offices in the world. Our work is supported by advanced tools such as postmortem X-ray and CT imaging, which enhance our ability to determine cause and manner of death with accuracy and precision.

The County of Los Angeles offers an excellent benefits package that includes a Cafeteria Benefit Plan, Contributory Defined Benefit Retirement Plan, Deferred Compensation & Thrift Plans, and 13 paid Holidays. Click here to see a list of employee benefits.

Primary responsibilities include conducting autopsies; evaluating evidence of disease, trauma, or injury; determining cause and manner of death; reviewing laboratory, toxicology, and radiological findings; and preparing detailed medical reports and findings. The incumbent also directs and oversees forensic technicians during autopsy procedures to ensure adherence to established protocols, safety standards, and evidentiary procedures.

In addition, the position participates in the training, mentoring, and professional development of physicians assigned to residency and fellowship programs. Incumbents are expected to exercise sound professional judgment, maintain knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, and demonstrate the technical competencies and ethical standards associated with the practice of Forensic Pathology.

• Performs medical work in a specialized medical field, including specialized autopsy procedures within Forensic Pathology specialty.
• Conducts training or assists in the training of resident or fellow physicians.
• Consults with staff physicians regarding medical and diagnostic work performed.
• Provides consultation to other medical services, including specialists in other fields.
• Conducts the more difficult postmortem examinations and may provide training of other physicians engaged in these activities.
• Confers with medical and professional personnel in such related fields as toxicology in order to discover the main and contributing causes of death.
• Certifies as to the cause of death and testifies in court as an expert witness.
• Develops new techniques within the medical specialty, as needed.
• Conducts specialized research, special studies, and services, including preventive and educational strategies, as needed.

Completion of a residency in Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology AND a fellowship* in Forensic Pathology or equivalent training** approved by the American Board of Pathology.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENT

• A California State Physician and Surgeon's Certificate authorized by the Board of Medical Examiners of the State of California. ***
• Certification by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology or Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.***

LICENSE
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to use an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

OUR ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Once we have identified that you meet our requirements, this examination will consist of a review and appraisal of qualifications based upon information from Curriculum Vitae*, worth 100%, assessing:

•  Cognitive and diagnostic; administrative; and dispositional competencies.

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THE CURRICULUM VITAE
As part of the application, all applicants must submit a Curriculum Vitae (CV) summarizing their education, experience, and training as it relates to FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST (PHYSICIAN SPECIALIST) (NON-MEGAFLEX). 

Each CV must cover the following areas:

• educational degrees obtained
• teaching experience
• research completed (e.g., studies, articles, publications)
• awards received
• academic and professional presentations given

All applicants shall attach their CV to their application at time of filing or email to [email protected] within 7 days of submitting their application. Applications that are missing the CV will be deemed incomplete.


Final results will be sent by E-mail.  Scores cannot be given over the phone.
 ELIGIBILITY AND VACANCY INFORMATION:

Applicants who pass the assessment are placed on a register in the order of their score group for a period of twelve (12) months. Applications will be processed as they are received and added to the register accordingly. We will use this register to fill vacancies in the Department of Medical Examiner located at 1104 North Mission Road, Los Angeles, CA 90033. as they occur.

• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Career Goals
• Legible copy of certificate of completion of residency training program approved by the American Specialty Board.
• Legible copy of California State Physician and Surgeon's Certificate authorized by the Board of Medical Examiners of the State of California.

We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail, fax, or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the "Apply" green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.

Please fill out the application completely. 

We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process, including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.

We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application, so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails, it is possible to view notices by logging into governmentjobs.com and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicant's responsibility to take steps to view correspondence, and we will not consider claims of missing notices to be a valid reason for re-scheduling an exam part. Register the below domains as approved senders to prevent email notifications from being filtered as spam/junk mail.

• [email protected]
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Note: New email addresses need to be verified. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in to governmentjobs.com and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.

 

Testing Accommodations Phone: (213) 441-3150
Teletype Phone: (800) 899-4099
Alternate Teletype Phone: (800) 897-0077
California Relay Services Phone: (800) 735-2922
Department Contact Name:  Erika Alcazar