Anatomical Pathology

Overview

The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Fraser Health is inviting applications for two full-time positions in Forensic Pathology. The Forensic Pathologist is responsible for autopsy investigations conducted into sudden and unexpected or unnatural deaths reportable to the BC Coroners Service (BCCS), in accordance with the Coroners Act, for the province of British Columbia. The purpose of these investigations is to support identification of the decedent together with the cause and manner of death, to provide documentation and expert opinion to assist with resolving civil and criminal matters that arise from a death, and to support the Coroners Service in providing a sound source of data for deaths investigated by coroners in British Columbia as an aid to preventing similar deaths from occurring in the future.

The incumbent will serve as a Forensic Pathologist by conducting autopsies (including the provision of expert testimony in court as needed). The Forensic Pathologist will also assist the Lead Forensic Pathologist and Chief Medical Officer in areas of Quality Improvement and Assurance and with research as needed. The successful person will be expected, at times, to be the representative of the Lead Forensic Pathologist and the Coroners Service and will fulfill delegated leadership activities as requested by the Chief Medical Officer or the Lead Forensic pathologist, BCCS.

• Completion of thorough autopsy investigations
• Provide guidance to Coroners and police officers regarding deaths to be investigated, the extent of investigation and the medical history to be obtained.
• Work with the Coroner to determine whether there will be an external examination or complete autopsy, as part of the investigation, or whether the investigation can be completed based solely upon a review of appropriate documents.
• Complete an external examination or autopsy, with collection of appropriate specimens for histology, toxicology, and other specialized tests as deemed necessary.
• Collaborate with other experts (eg. Forensic Anthropologist, Forensic Odontologist) as needed to successfully complete a coronial investigation.
• Prepare reports outlining the findings and conclusions of all autopsy investigations conducted in a timely manner.
• Respond to correspondence and queries arising from autopsy investigations conducted.
• Provide balanced testimony as an expert witness in courts of law.
• Be accessible for consultations from police and lawyers regarding the findings and conclusions of death investigations where criminal or civil matters arise.
• Respond to correspondence from legal counsel regarding death investigations in a timely manner.
• Respond to subpoenas ensuring coordination of schedule between courtroom testimony and other responsibilities.
• Meet with Crown Prosecutors, Defence Bar, and other legal counsel as required prior to testimony.
• Provide balanced testimony to the courts to ensure clear understanding of injuries, cause of death, and other medical issues for the judge and jury.
• Promote understanding of Forensic Pathology and death investigation by agencies and individuals outside of the BC Coroner’s Service.
• Provide education and guidance to members of the BCCS in the performance of their responsibilities, including on-call duties to assist coroner investigations.
• Serve as a resource and teacher for police and lawyers regarding Forensic Pathology and death investigations.
• Serve as a teacher for medical students, residents, Forensic Pathology Fellows, paramedics, and other professionals seeking education in various aspects of death investigation and Forensic Pathology.
• Support any reasonable research or publication efforts undertaken by the Lead Forensic Pathologist or the office of the Chief Medical Officer, BCCS.

The incumbent must be an M.D. with specialty training and certification in Anatomical or General (Clinical) Pathology and with an additional Fellowship year of training in Forensic Pathology together with certification in Forensic Pathology (Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, American Board of Pathology, DMJ (Path), or other equivalent). This…