A coroner is NOT a medical examiner

[Clark2008]

This thread probably will die, but I wanted to make this point.

An M.E. is a DOCTOR - someone trained in the human anatomy.

A coroner can be a doctor, but a coroner is an ELECTED official and could be anything from a vet to a funeral director to a cop to Joe Blow off the street.

Now, before we go off half-cocked on the Schiavo autopsy, rest assured, that the autopsy is going to be performed by a MEDICAL EXAMINER, not a coroner.

BTW, if you have coroners in your neck of the woods (I live in a Southern state and I don't), petition to change that system. It sucks. Lobby for M.E.'s.

[Carolab]

1. You are correct. An M.E. is an M.D. (and in some cases a J.D.)

and is appointed by county commissioners.

However, the M.E. is not required to perform the post in this case because there is not suspicion over the exact cause and manner of death. The autopsy will be performed as a private autopsy at the request of the husband.

[Clark2008]

3. Thanks - I saw your post on the thread in Latest Breaking News

and complimented you.

I was a reporter for 12 years and covered courts and cops for most of it. I've been to autopsies.

I also know Dr. William Bass, personally (he's a saint, I tell ya. If the Catholic church garners patrons for the dead, it should be Saint Bass). He's not an M.E., but he has taught me a lot about respect for the dead (he's the foremost forensic anthropologist in the country). My respect for the dead includes the secrets they can tell us via autopsies and DNA and trace.

It was nerve-wracking to me that folks didn't understand the difference. Thanks for the back-up.

[Carolab]

4. Dr. Bass may have attended one of my M.E.'s annual forensic seminars.

Several notables, including Baden, were featured speakers over the years. I had the honor of knowing and working with Dr. John Coe, a leading expert on determining time of death.

[Floogeldy]

2. Thanks for the clarification

B-)