Mecklenburg County medical examiner’s office loses several employees: What that means for autopsies

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - The Mecklenburg County medical examiner’s office has lost several forensic pathologists over the past year, with the most recent resignation coming in the past month, according to multiple sources.

Forensic pathologists are critical to a medical examiner’s office function of performing autopsies and other examinations, as well as issuing death certifications.

While a spokesperson for the office declined to confirm exactly how many forensic pathologists have left over the past year, sources tell WBTV that four have left -- including the chief medical examiner -- through a combination of resignations, retirements, or other job offers.

A spokesperson for Mecklenburg County confirmed that the office had been previously operating with three full-time forensic pathologists.

The departures have forced a number of contingency measures, sources said. A county spokesperson confirmed that autopsies were continuing thanks to the use of contractors and state resources.

“The Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office is operational and performing autopsies, despite recent leadership retirements and staff changes,” county spokesperson Alex Burnett said in an email.

“Proactive measures have been implemented to assist with continuous service by partnering with the State and other providers to continue to provide the services required by statute.”

An undated county hiring document for the chief forensic pathologist position says the office performs 700 autopsies and 850 external examinations annually.

The job of forensic pathologist requires both a medical doctor’s degree along with additional training and certifications. The role has long been in short supply nationwide, according to the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).

“Like all medical disciplines, forensic pathology faces a growing need for a larger physician workforce that the U.S. cannot fill on its own,” NAME president Michelle Jorden told WBTV in an email.

“The forensic pathology shortage is exacerbated by the number of educational and training years required to produce a board-certified forensic pathologist ... The number of years needed to become a forensic pathologist approach that of a Neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon.”

Nationwide, Jorden said there are approximately 930 practicing forensic pathologists, not all of whom are full time: that’s about 60% of the needed 1500.

“Depending on where one practices, it may be significantly difficult to replace a forensic pathologist, especially in rural areas where forensic pathologists may be sparse. Effects of the shortage can vary across jurisdictions and may lead to increased caseloads, delays in performing autopsies which can lead to delays in death certification,” Jorden said.