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Chief Medical Examiner
The Chief Medical Examiner (CME) is responsible for overseeing the state's medical examiner system, providing expert forensic pathology services, and ensuring the accurate and ethical determination of cause and manner of death in medicolegal cases. This leadership role requires strong analytical skills, clinical expertise, and sound judgment in forensic investigations.
Class Code:
SFO01C
Job Grade:
MED16
Special Job Requirements:
Typical Functions:
Conduct and oversee post-mortem examinations, autopsies, and forensic pathology procedures to determine cause and manner of death. Provide expert forensic opinions and testimony in criminal and civil court cases. Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and professional standards in forensic pathology. Supervise and provide guidance to forensic pathologists, medical investigators, and support staff. Oversee budgetary planning, resource allocation, and operational efficiency of the medical examiner’s office. Ensure the quality and integrity of forensic examinations through training, accreditation, and quality assurance measures. Work closely with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and public health officials to support investigations. Serve as a subject matter expert in forensic pathology for state agencies, legislators, and the public. Ensure compliance with Arkansas laws, federal regulations, and accreditation standards for forensic pathology.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills:
Expertise in forensic pathology, toxicology, and medicolegal death investigations. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for complex forensic cases. Ability to interpret autopsy findings, medical records, and investigative reports. Proven ability to lead and mentor forensic pathologists, medical investigators, and administrative staff. Strong organizational and decision-making abilities for managing high-profile cases and office operations. Experience in budgeting, resource allocation, and strategic planning within a government agency. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for forensic reports, legal testimony, and public presentations. Ability to explain complex medical findings to law enforcement, legal professionals, and families. Strong ethical integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling sensitive information. Ability to work under high-pressure situations, including mass casualty events and high-profile cases.
Minimum Qualifications:
Must have a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy from an accredited institution; Must have completed an Anatomic Pathology Residency Program and Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program; At least five (5) years of experience in forensic pathology, including two years in a leadership capacity.
Required Certificates:
Must be licensed to practice medicine in the State of Arkansas. Must be board-certified in Forensic Pathology by the American Board of Pathology. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.
Exempt:
E