Medicolegal Death Investigation Basic Training

Monday, November 17, 2025, 8:30 AM - Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 4:00 PM, Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office, Cleveland, OH


AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (21.75 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (21.75 hours)

This unique 3-day course covers fundamental topics of forensic pathology, examination, photographing and documentation of death scenes; evidence recognition, preservation and collection; and decedent identification. Participants will enhance their knowledge by conducting investigations of dynamic mock scenes. The mock scenes are interactive and require participants to role play.

1. Define types of death that must be reported to the Coroner or Medical Examiner in Ohio.
2. Distinguish types of trauma and explain the mechanisms of injury.
3. Discuss basic concepts used to distinguish entrance from exit gunshot wounds and determine range of fire.
4. Describe investigative information that is important to the determination of cause and manner of death in cases of asphyxia, drowning, environmental exposure, in-custody, sudden unexpected infant deaths, and intoxication.
5. Recognize natural disease processes that present as violent or suspicious deaths.
6. Distinguish early and late phase postmortem changes and identify variables used in the assessment of postmortem interval including limitations.
7. List different methods for obtaining fingerprints from deceased individuals based on the state of the body.
8. Describe the essential components of a comprehensive investigation of sudden unexpected deaths in infants.
9. Investigate a simulated death scene in accordance with national guidelines.

The MetroHealth System is accredited by the Ohio State Medical Association to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received in writing no less than 20 days before the course will be refunded, less a 20% administrative fee. No refunds will be made on cancellations received after that date. Please send cancellation requests to [email protected].

The MetroHealth System reserves the right to cancel or postpone this program if necessary; in the event of cancellation, course fees will be fully refunded. We are not responsible for other costs incurred such as non-refundable airline tickets or hotel penalties.

Accessibility Statement
 
The MetroHealth System is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008.  If you have needs that require special accommodations, including dietary concerns, please contact the CME Conference Coordinator.

The MetroHealth System adheres to ACCME Criteria, Standards and Policies regarding industry support of continuing medical education. Disclosure of faculty and their commercial relationships will be made prior to the activity.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

The MetroHealth System adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including Faculty, planners, reviewers, or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.