I thought it was a coroner but I heard they are not actually a medical doctor, then i thought it was a pathologist but i read that they often deal with the living, I have also heard that it is a medical examiner but im not really sure...Thank you!
It depends entirely on the policies of your local government. Coroner is usually an elected position. A medical examiner is usually appointed.
i think it iss Pathologist.
This varies somewhat by state. In my state, some counties have Medical Examiner offices. The remainder have elected coroners, none of whom have any medical training. The coroners in those counties can send the body to a medical examiner for autopsy. By law, in this state (and most states), only a duly licensed medical doctor can pERform (note correct spelling) an autopsy. Most practicing medical examiners (all in this state) are first pathologists, but above and beyond that, have another year of training (not to mention the board exam) in forensic pathology. Hospital pathologists examine and prepare reports on biopsies, surgical specimens, etc, in hospital. Hospital pathologists *occasionally* do autopsies, but fewer and fewer hospital autopsies are being done, and even the best surgical pathologist would be unlikely to be able to interpret the gross (naked eye, at the autopsy table) findings, but would be able to diagnose the microscopic findings. So, in summary, coroner is the person who fills out the death certificate (most are not doctors). Only doctors (mostly pathologists) can do autopsies. Only forensic pathologists know how to do a forensic autopsy. Any board certified forensic pathologist has all the training of a hospital pathologist, plus more.
Autopsies are the realm of Pathologists, who have specific training to identify cause of death. Coroners may or may not be physicians, and they receive autopsy reports from the Pathologist and issue official cause of death certificates. Medical Examiner is a term usually applied to a Pathologist. Yes, occasionally Pathologists are asked for assistance in diagnosing diseases of the living because they are very good at diagnostics, and they frequently have the specific laboratory equipment to perform specialty tests. They are also occasionally called upon to render an opinion where two doctors cannot agree on a diagnosis, and making the wrong call could cost the patient dearly.
