Chief Medical Examiner
Position Summary:
Marathon County, Wisconsin, is seeking a full-time Chief Medical Examiner to join their team. The county is transiting from a lay Medical Examiner’s Office to a physician-led office in preparation for the July 2025 opening of a new $14.8 million, 20,000-square-foot facility located in a park-like setting on the Northcentral Technical College campus in Wausau, Wisconsin. Ideally, the position will begin prior to the facility’s completion, allowing the Chief Medical Examiner to assist in developing departmental policies and procedures while planning for facility operations and its official opening.
The Chief Medical Examiner will lead a team of dedicated, collaborative professionals who are eager to actively participate in the transformation. The team includes an experienced Director of Operations, an Investigations Manager, and full-time Death Investigators, all of whom are ABMDI certified with extensive related experience. A second forensic pathologist has also accepted a position and is scheduled to begin in August 2025.
This is a unique opportunity to be part of the office’s transformation. The pathologists will perform autopsies for Marathon County, regional Coroner and Medical Examiner Offices, as well as the local health care systems. Autopsy case volume will be capped at 225–250 autopsy equivalency per pathologist at full operational capacity, in alignment with NAME autopsy performance standards. Before the facility is completed, the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a limited number of autopsies in a fully equipped autopsy suite at a local hospital. The office will also gradually transition to handling referral county cases, ensuring a smooth implementation and a solid foundation.
In addition to strong forensic pathology and leadership skills, the ideal candidate will have a passion for teaching and will support the office’s mission to enhance regional education opportunities and improve death investigation standards. This role involves frequent opportunities to host autopsy observations for students, ranging from technical college attendees to medical students, and continuing education presentations to experienced professionals in related fields.
Marathon County is committed to fostering a workplace that promotes work-life balance and supports academic pursuits. An academic appointment at the Medical College of Wisconsin will be available, and the Chief Medical Examiner will be fully supported in accepting this role.
For more information on our organization and community, view our Chief Medical Examiner Brochure.
Qualifications:
Must be a graduate of a medical school recognized by the American Medical Association or American Osteopathic Association. Licensed as a physician to practice medicine in the state of Wisconsin with an unrestricted license; or willing to obtain licensure to practice upon employment; or possess a valid temporary permit pending approval of application for Wisconsin licensure.
Board certification in anatomic or anatomic and clinical pathology is required at the time of hire. Three years of experience in forensic pathology, with leadership and teaching experience preferred, but not required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Must maintain all required licenses and accreditations consistent with the industry standards. Maintain individual continuing medical education and assures compliance with licensing and certification is a requirement of employment.
Compensation:
Anticipated starting salary up to $323,772
Starting Salary based on candidate’s expertise, experience, education, and certifications. Chief Medical Examiner Salary Range: $269,196 – $378,872
Comprehensive Employee Benefit Package: Marathon County Benefits
Deadline Note: