Assistant Chief Medical Examiner- Western OCME
Listed on 2026-01-01
-
Doctor/Physician
Medical Doctor, Pathologist
Title: Assistant Chief Medical Examiner
- Western OCME
State Role
Title:
Physician II
Hiring Range: Negotiable based on experience up to $290,000
Pay Band: 8
Agency: Virginia Department of Health
Location: CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINR-WST
Agency Website: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) is a statewide medical examiner system with four regional district offices encompassing 16 forensic pathologists and a Chief Medical Examiner. The Western District of the Virginia OCME covers the western region of Virginia and is recruiting two experienced forensic pathologists to join its staff, bringing the total to four pathologists. This office is one of only eleven in the country with its own CT scanner.
The Assistant Chief Medical Examiner’s (ACME) responsibilities include death investigations, postmortem examinations, approximately 250 medicolegal autopsies per year, consultations with interested parties, court testimony, and supervision of staff. The ACME also provides administrative oversight, advises and supervises local medical examiners, and instructs forensic pathology fellows, medical students, public safety officers, and others. The office maintains relationships with three medical schools and multiple universities in Virginia.
The pathologist will participate in educational, training, and research activities and serve on committees. University appointment is anticipated with rank determined by qualifications, and occasional overnight travel may be required.
The Virginia OCME does not perform autopsies on Sundays and does not currently perform autopsies on Saturdays.
ACME candidates must be licensed in Virginia to practice medicine. Forensic Pathologists accreditation by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) requires Board Certification in Anatomic and Forensic Pathology within two years of employment.
This position is based in Roanoke, Virginia, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area offers abundant outdoor activities, proximity to the Appalachian Trail and a well-developed greenway system. Downtown Roanoke features a thriving arts and entertainment district, including the Taubman Museum of Art, Historic Market Square, Virginia Museum of Transportation, Mill Mountain Zoo, and many restaurants. For more information about the Roanoke area, please visit https://.
This is an open‑until‑filled position and applications will be reviewed as received.
Minimum Qualifications
- Graduate of an approved medical school, postgraduate training in anatomic and forensic pathology; certification as a specialist in forensic pathology by the American Board of Pathology; licensure to practice medicine in Virginia.
- Completion of an approved training program in forensic pathology; at least one year of forensic experience.
- Ability to write and converse competently and clearly in English.
- Ability to get along with other professionals and community officials.
- Ability to communicate effectively as a teacher and a supervisor.
Additional Considerations
- Experience with medicolegal death investigations.
- Experience with testifying in court.
- Advanced training in cardiovascular pathology, neuropathology, pediatric pathology, law, or public health desirable.
- University appointment is anticipated with rank determined by qualifications.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
VDH accepts only online applications. Faxed, mailed, or e‑mailed applications will not be considered. Applications are accepted until 11:55 p.m. on the job closing date. Applications and/or resumes should include relevant work history which indicates your qualifications for this position.
Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of a state and federal criminal history background check and the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check, U.S. HHSIG Exclusion List check,…
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