Navigating the Path: Medical Examiner Internship Requirements

For students aspiring to a career in forensic science, medicine, or medicolegal death investigation, internships at a Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) or Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) offer invaluable hands-on experience. These internships provide opportunities to learn from professionals in the field, contribute to real-world investigations, and gain a deeper understanding of forensic practices. This article outlines the general requirements and opportunities associated with medical examiner internships.

Overview of Medical Examiner Internships

Medical Examiner internships are designed to provide students with practical training and exposure to the various aspects of medicolegal death investigation and forensic science. These internships often involve working alongside forensic pathologists, investigators, laboratory professionals, and other experts in the field. The goal is to prepare students for future careers in forensic settings by providing them with hands-on experience and knowledge.

General Internship Requirements

While specific requirements may vary between different Medical Examiner’s Offices, there are several common qualifications and expectations for internship applicants.

Academic Standing and Background

Most Medical Examiner’s Offices require interns to be at least at the junior level in their undergraduate studies. Some offices also accept senior students or graduate students. A strong academic record is generally expected, with many offices requiring a minimum G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher.

A relevant academic background is crucial. Ideal fields of study include:

Forensic Science
Medicine
Natural Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry)
Criminal Justice
Toxicology
Anthropology
Related fields

Application Process

The application process typically involves several steps:

Online Application: Many offices use online application portals. For example, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office requires applicants to use its online portal.
Resume and Cover Letter: A resume highlighting relevant academic and work experience, along with a cover letter indicating specific areas of interest, is essential. The cover letter should articulate the applicant's goals for the internship and details of their education and experience in forensic science.
Letters of Recommendation: Most offices require letters of recommendation from academic advisors or program chairs. These letters should support the applicant's candidacy, confirm their good standing in the program, and verify that they meet all eligibility requirements.
Transcripts: Official or unofficial transcripts may be required to verify academic standing and G.P.A.

Incomplete applications will not be considered, so it is crucial to ensure all required documents are submitted by the deadline.

Insurance and Background Checks

Liability Insurance: Many Medical Examiner’s Offices require interns to provide proof of liability insurance coverage. This coverage can often be obtained through the student’s educational institution or through an independent insurance provider.
Background Check: A background check is typically performed by the Medical Examiner’s Office to ensure the suitability of the applicant. St. Johns County Volunteer Application and Intern Acknowledgment forms may be required.

Time Commitment

Internship programs usually require a significant time commitment. For instance, some programs may require interns to work 16 hours a week, typically in two, eight-hour days. Others may specify a total of 400 hours or a minimum of 120 hours over a 12-15 week period. A consistent work schedule must be followed during the internship, although hours may be flexible to accommodate the intern's program requirements.

Internship Responsibilities and Experiences

Interns at a Medical Examiner’s Office can be involved in a wide range of activities, depending on the office and the intern's area of interest.

Death Investigation

Interns may assist investigators with their caseload, which includes:

Gathering information to determine the cause and manner of death.
Helping to identify decedents.
Locating and notifying the next of kin.
Documenting death scenes.

Morgue Operations

Interns may be involved in all aspects of morgue operations, including:

Observing and assisting during autopsies.
Taking notes and photographs during autopsies.
Setting up and cleaning up autopsy suites.
Requesting medical records and specimens.
Updating electronic information and uploading photographs.

Laboratory Work

Interns interested in forensic laboratory work may have the opportunity to work side-by-side with laboratory professionals specializing in:

Drug Chemistry
DNA Analysis
Firearms Examination
Toxicology
Trace Evidence
Chemical analysis of biological specimens

Additional Responsibilities

Other tasks may include:

Assisting with general office duties.
Attending lectures and rotations through various operational areas of the office.
Presenting an internship presentation on their experiences and learning.

Exposure to Bio-hazardous Material

It is important to note that some internships, particularly those in Anthropology, Death Investigations, Mortuary Services, Digital Imaging, and Toxicology, may expose interns to bio-hazardous material. As such, an interagency agreement between the Medical Examiner’s Office and the intern’s academic institution may be required before the start of the internship.

Specific Internship Programs and Opportunities

Several Medical Examiner’s Offices offer structured internship programs with specific requirements and focus areas.

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Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office and Cuyahoga County Regional Forensic Science Laboratory have established an internship program that provides training in various forensic program areas. This program is structured to meet the needs of Forensic Science majors requiring an internship as part of their curriculum or students wishing to pursue a career in Forensics. The program aims to provide students with the opportunity to learn about a variety of technical and hands-on practices in the field, preparing them for work outside of school under the supervision of experienced experts.

Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office

The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office offers two types of internships:

Forensic Internship: Intended for college students and graduates interested in pursuing a career in a Forensic Laboratory or within Medicolegal Death Investigations.
Medical Student Rotation: For medical students interested in pursuing a career in forensic pathology.

Interns in the Forensic Internship program will observe autopsies, assist staff in taking notes and photographs, and observe Forensic Investigators during scene investigations. They will also assist with general office duties. Applicants should be pursuing a degree in forensic science, natural sciences, criminal justice, or a related field and must commit to a minimum of 120 hours.

Suffolk County Office of the Medical Examiner’s Office (SCOME)

SCOME supports the continuing education of students interested in Forensic Science. SCOME has opportunities that can allow interns to work side by side with Laboratory professionals (including forensic scientists specializing in drug chemistry, biological sciences [DNA Analysis], firearms examination, toxicology and trace evidence. Internships are typically held during summer break.

District 23 Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO)

The District 23 MEO supports the education of students interested in forensic pathology, medicolegal death investigation, medicine, and forensics by providing relevant learning opportunities, and work experience, as well as serving as mentors and role models. The District 23 MEO offers internships to undergraduates during the summer semesters and will only accept internship applications from students with a focus on forensic pathology, toxicology, anthropology, and/or medicolegal death investigation.

OCME Internship Program

The OCME Internship Program provides limited unpaid internships in Anthropology, Epidemiology, Fatality Review, Death Investigations, Forensic Toxicology, Mortuary Services, Forensic Photography, and IT.

Colorado Coroner’s Association

Upon completion of the internship program, interns are eligible for certification as a Death Investigator through the Colorado Coroner’s Association.

Benefits of a Medical Examiner Internship

Participating in a Medical Examiner internship offers numerous benefits for students pursuing careers in forensic science and related fields.

Hands-On Experience

Interns gain practical, hands-on experience in various aspects of medicolegal death investigation and forensic science. This experience can be invaluable in developing skills and knowledge that are difficult to acquire in a classroom setting.

Career Preparation

The goal of many internship programs is to prepare interns for work outside of school. By performing duties under the supervision of experienced experts, interns can develop the skills and confidence needed to assume duties in a forensic setting after graduation.

Networking Opportunities

Internships provide opportunities to network with professionals in the field, including forensic pathologists, investigators, and laboratory staff. These connections can be valuable for future career opportunities.

Personal Growth

Working in a Medical Examiner’s Office can be emotionally challenging, but it also offers opportunities for personal growth. Interns often work with grieving people and witness difficult situations, which can help them develop emotional strength and resilience.

Skill Development

Interns develop a range of skills, including:

Death investigation techniques
Autopsy procedures
Laboratory skills
Communication and interpersonal skills
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Preparing for an Internship

To maximize the benefits of a Medical Examiner internship, students should:

Research different Medical Examiner’s Offices to identify those that offer internships aligned with their interests and career goals.
Prepare a strong application that highlights their academic achievements, relevant experience, and career aspirations.
Seek letters of recommendation from professors or advisors who can speak to their abilities and potential.
Be prepared for a rigorous and demanding experience that requires a high level of commitment and professionalism.
Take advantage of opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and ask questions.
Reflect on their experiences and identify areas for further development.

The Importance of Emotional Strength and Empathy

Working in a Medical Examiner’s Office is not just about the science; it's also about dealing with people during some of the most difficult times in their lives. Interns must possess emotional strength and empathy to effectively support grieving families and handle sensitive situations. This ability to connect with and assist those in distress can be a rewarding aspect of the internship experience.

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