Definition

Noun: A public official, typically a physician, who is authorized by a governmental jurisdiction (such as a county or state) to investigate deaths that are sudden, unexpected, violent, or otherwise not clearly due to natural causes. The role involves determining the cause and manner of death, which may include performing autopsies.

Usage

The term "medical examiner" refers specifically to the official position or the person holding that office. It is a formal title. - The medical examiner arrived at the scene to examine the body. - The report issued by the medical examiner concluded the death was an accident. - A medical examiner may be called to testify in court.

Examples

• The medical examiner's office confirmed the identity of the deceased.
• After the autopsy, the medical examiner ruled the manner of death a homicide.
• The police are awaiting the findings from the medical examiner.

Advanced Usage

• Medical examiner system: Refers to the model of death investigation where appointed physicians (medical examiners) serve, as opposed to a coroner system, which may not require the office holder to be a physician.
• Chief Medical Examiner: The title for the head of a medical examiner's office in a jurisdiction.

Variants and Related Words

• Coroner (noun): An official who investigates deaths, often elected. In many jurisdictions, a coroner is not required to be a medical doctor, unlike a medical examiner. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably but denote different systems.
• Forensic Pathologist (noun): A physician specializing in determining the cause of death by examining a body. A medical examiner is often, but not always, a forensic pathologist.
• Autopsy (noun): The surgical examination of a body after death, often performed by a medical examiner or pathologist.
• Inquest (noun): A legal inquiry into the cause and circumstances of a death, which a medical examiner may contribute to or testify at.

Synonyms

• Forensic medical officer (less common)
• Public pathologist (context-specific)

Related Phrases

• Medical examiner's report: The official document detailing the findings of an investigation into a death.
• Office of the Medical Examiner (OME): The governmental department or building where the medical examiner conducts work.

Noun

1. a public official who investigates by inquest any death not due to natural causes