The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner investigates approximately 5000 unexpected or unexplained deaths each year. Approximately 50% of these deaths have an autopsy to determine the cause. The student will participate in the review of the circumstances of the death, the medical history of the decedent, along with the gross and microscopic autopsy findings.

Objectives:

• To learn and understand the role of the Medical Examiner's Office in the investigation of sudden death.
• To learn the importance of scene investigation, history, and autopsy in determining the cause and manner of death.
• To learn the attending physician's role and responsibilities in death certification.
• To learn the definitions of cause, manner and mechanisms of death, and how to properly complete a death certificate.
• To learn the role of the external examination in sudden death investigation.
• To learn the importance and methods of collecting toxicology specimens at the time of examination.

Comments:

This elective would be of particular value to students considering a career in general practice, emergency medicine or pathology.

Instructors:

Chief or Deputy Chief Medical Examiner and Medical Investigator.

Duration:

One to four weeks.

To schedule an elective please contact:

Edmonton
Natalie LaFleur
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
7007 116 ST
Edmonton, AB T6H 5R8
Phone: 780-427-4987
Fax: 780-422-1265

Calgary
Angie Martinac
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner
4070 Bowness Road NW
Calgary, AB T3B 3R7
Phone: 403-297-8123
Fax: 403-297-4329