Medical Examiner Job Shadows, Volunteers, and Internships
The University of Michigan Health–Sparrow Medical Examiner’s Office offers job shadowing, volunteer, and internship opportunities for individuals interested in forensic pathology, medicolegal death investigation, criminal justice, forensic science, anthropology, mortuary science, and related fields.
Job Shadowing
Job shadowing provides an opportunity to learn more about the roles of forensic pathologists, medical examiner investigators, and other professionals within the Medical Examiner’s Office. Job shadow participants may have the opportunity to:
- Observe forensic autopsies
- Speak with forensic pathologists and medical examiner staff
- Learn about cause and manner of death determination
- Observe aspects of a death scene investigation, when available and appropriate
- Learn about careers in forensic pathology and medicolegal death investigation
Participants under 18 years of age are not permitted to observe autopsies.
To request a job shadow experience, please complete the application by visiting the Job Shadow Application.
Autopsy Volunteers
Volunteer opportunities are limited to assisting in the autopsy area. Volunteers may:
- Assist with autopsy documentation and specimen handling
- Assist with fingerprinting and decedent identification
- Assist with cleaning and preparing the autopsy area
- Observe autopsy procedures and learn about the work of the Medical Examiner’s Office
To apply as an autopsy volunteer, please complete the application by visiting the Volunteer Application.
Internships
The University of Michigan Health–Sparrow Medical Examiner’s Office offers internship opportunities for students currently enrolled in a post-secondary educational program interested in forensic science, criminal justice, medicine, pathology, anthropology, mortuary science, public health, and related fields.
Interns work alongside medical examiner investigators, forensic pathologists, autopsy staff, and administrative personnel to gain practical experience in medicolegal death investigation.
Death Scene Investigation Experience
Interns may:
- Respond to death scenes with medical examiner investigators
- Observe and document postmortem changes
- Assist with scene documentation
- Learn investigative procedures and evidence-handling practices
- Observe interactions with law enforcement, healthcare providers, funeral homes, and families
Autopsy Experience
Interns may:
- Observe forensic autopsies
- Assist with documentation and specimen handling
- Assist with fingerprinting and decedent identification
- Assist with cleaning and preparing the autopsy area
- Learn about evidence collection
- Learn how cause and manner of death are determined
Office and Administrative Experience
Interns may:
- Upload and organize historical medical examiner records
- Assist with electronic document management
- Complete data entry and record-review projects
- Learn about death certificate processing and case documentation
- Assist with other clerical or data-related projects
To apply for an internship, please complete the Medical Examiner Internship Application Form and email the completed form to [email protected].