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Chief Medical Examiner
Career Insights for Coroner / Medical Examiner
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Scorecard
Based on Tennessee data
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What they do
A Coroner or Medical Examiner directs activities such as autopsies, pathological and toxicological analyses, and inquests relating to the investigation of deaths occurring within a legal jurisdiction to determine cause of death or to fix responsibility for accidental, violent, or unexplained deaths.
$58,470 / year median in Tennessee
+12% projected growth
Job Description
Chief Medical Examiner
09-Jul-2026 to 08-Aug-2026 (CST)
Murfreesboro, TN, USA
239150-279563 per year Commensurate with experience
Salary
Full Time
Medical, Dental, Vision, TCRS Retirement Pension Annual Salary - $239,150 - $279,563 Lead with Expertise. Serve with Purpose. Rutherford County is seeking an experienced and compassionate Chief Medical Examiner to lead the Office of the Medical Examiner and Regional Forensic Center. This position serves a critical role in protecting public health and supporting the justice system through medicolegal death investigations, forensic pathology, and leadership of forensic operations. As Chief Medical Examiner, you will oversee forensic pathology staff, perform autopsies and postmortem examinations, determine cause and manner of death, preserve evidentiary integrity, collaborate with law enforcement and legal partners, and serve as an expert witness in court proceedings. This position also provides leadership during mass fatality incidents and ensures compliance with accreditation standards and state laws. Essential Responsibilities Perform forensic autopsies and postmortem examinations
Determine cause and manner of death and prepare final autopsy reports
Investigate deaths falling under medicolegal jurisdiction
Interpret laboratory, toxicology, microscopic, and consultative reports
Collect, preserve, and maintain chain of custody for forensic evidence
Complete and sign death certificates for jurisdictional cases
Supervise, direct, mentor, and evaluate forensic pathology staff
Work collaboratively with medicolegal death investigators and law enforcement agencies
Testify as an expert witness in criminal and civil court proceedings
Consult with prosecutors, defense attorneys, investigators, and medical professionals regarding case findings
Review and approve cremation requests within the jurisdiction
Coordinate forensic operations during mass fatality incidents with emergency response partners, hospitals, and funeral homes
Support National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) accreditation efforts and compliance initiatives
Participate in Child Death Review Committee meetings and other professional activities
Ensure adherence to safety protocols, infection control standards, and communicable disease reporting requirements
Meet with family members to explain postmortem findings when appropriate Minimum Qualifications Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
Licensed physician authorized to practice medicine in the State of Tennessee
Board Certified by the American Board of Pathology
Certified Forensic Pathologist
Five (5) or more years of experience in medicolegal death investigations
Valid Tennessee driver's license
Ability to maintain required continuing education and professional certifications Why Join Our Team? This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact through public service by advancing forensic excellence, supporting the justice system, mentoring the next generation of forensic professionals, and helping families and communities find answers during difficult times.