Serves as second in command and assumes the overall management of the Medical Examiner’s Office during the absence of the Chief Medical Examiner. Performs all duties of Assistant Medical Examiners, as well as supervises, schedules and manages the activities of the Autopsy Technicians. Performs autopsies and postmortem examinations to determine the cause and manner of death. Collects evidence for law enforcement agencies. Prepares reports of postmortem examination and autopsies. Reviews medical records, police reports and the reports of the toxicologist as required to accurately determine cause and manner of death. At the direction of the Chief Medical Examiner, participates in various research projects with local hospitals and universities. Attends and participates in daily departmental meetings and chairs meetings in the absence of the Chief Medical Examiner. Directs the staff photographers and x-ray technicians in the preparation of photographs and radiographs. Supervises the work of the assigned autopsy technician to ensure that autopsies are done in an appropriate manner, and with respect, to not interfere with embalming of the deceased or to cause any disfigurement or unnecessary mutilation of the remains. Answers inquiries from relatives and other interested parties, as to the cause and manner of death.  When on call, must be available to consult with the Medical Examiner’s Investigators, make decisions concerning release of organs and tissues for transplantation purposes on Medical Examiner’s cases, and to conduct scene investigations in deaths in police custody. Works in the autopsy suite between two to four days per week including one weekend day. Performs scene investigations when on call and when necessary to accurately determine cause and manner of death in particular cases. Serves as Assistant Director of the Cook County Office of the Medical Examiner Accreditation Counsel for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited program in forensic pathology, teaching/training residents and fellows in Forensic Pathology.  Conducts tours of the facility for medical students, nurses, police, paramedics, and other individuals or groups with an interest in or need to know about Forensic Pathology and the functions of the Medical Examiner’s Office. Participates in Child Death Review meetings when required. Responsible for promptly reporting communicable disease and other health threats found at autopsy to the Board of Health.  May be called upon to provide expert testimony in criminal or civil court or at civil or criminal depositions.  May act as a consultant for the police, State’s Attorney, Public Defender’s Office and other professionals in the field of Forensic Pathology. Required to be on 24 hour call three or four times per month. May assume overall responsibility for media relations.