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Forensic pathology services include the performance of autopsy examinations, integration of investigative information, and interpretation of autopsy findings and supplemental testing in order to establish and certify cause and manner of death.

American Board of Pathology (ABP)-certified forensic pathologists serve as medical examiners and document autopsy findings in a written autopsy report, but also communicate findings to physicians, family members, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and other involved agencies. Medical examiners also testify in court as expert medical witnesses and meet with District Attorneys and/or other attorneys upon request. In addition, medical examiners use their expertise to interpret injury patterns in living victims of trauma, abuse or other suspected violent acts. Through the performance of these duties, the medical examiners also act as agents of public health by identifying potential communicable diseases or recognizing unsafe environmental conditions that may put individuals at risk for poor health outcomes.