Become a medical examiner
Medical examiners are a core part of the process of investigating patient deaths across the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In order to become a medical examiner, you first need to ensure you have the right knowledge and qualifications, before completing both online and face-to-face training.
College membership for medical examiners
The College would like to welcome new medical examiners as members of the College. As part of their membership they will be awarded the use of the new post nominals ‘RCPathME’ while they remain members. Find out more about medical examiner membership.
Who can be a medical examiner?
You can apply to become a medical examiner if you:
- have at least five years’ experience as a fully registered medical practitioner
- are currently practicing in England or Wales or Northern Ireland or have retired in the last five years
- hold a licence to practise with the GMC
In addition, you’ll need to demonstrate:
- up to date knowledge of medical conditions, treatments and causes of death
- knowledge of relevant legislation and processes
- knowledge of local and national clinical governance systems
- strong communication skills that enable them to deliver their role in a compassionate, professional and discreet manner
- ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team.
The majority of current Medical Examiners are hospital consultants and GPs. Experienced SAS doctors and senior trainees are also eligible to work as Medical Examiners, subject to the requirements of their employing organisation. Medical Examiners should have at least five years post-qualification experience before taking on the role. While completion of training is mandatory for all Medical Examiners, there is no automatic entitlement to work as an ME after completing the training. Most organisations will appoint following competitive interviews to identify the individuals best suited to providing the service locally.
National and regional contacts
England
National Medical Examiner’s office contacts:
- For general enquiries: [email protected]
- For funding enquiries: [email protected]
- For quarterly reporting enquiries: [email protected]
Regional medical examiner offices:
East of England
- Regional medical examiner: Ellen Makings [email protected]
- Regional medical examiner office: Siobhan Costello [email protected]
London
- Regional medical examiner: Mette Rodgers [email protected]
- Regional medical examiner office: Laura O’Donoghue [email protected]
Midlands
- Regional medical examiner: Ben Lobo [email protected]
- Regional medical examiner office: Siobhan Costello [email protected]
North East and Yorkshire
- Regional medical examiner: Graham Cooper [email protected]
- Regional medical examiner office: Debbie Peacock [email protected]
North West
- Regional medical examiner: Huw Twamley [email protected]
- Regional medical examiner office: Margaret Butler [email protected]
South East
- Regional medical examiner: Zoe Hemsley [email protected]
- Regional medical examiner office: Amanda Dooley [email protected]
South West
- Regional medical examiner: Golda Shelley-Fraser [email protected]
- Regional medical examiner office: Becky Protopsaltis [email protected]
Wales
- Lead Medical Examiner for Wales: Jason Shannon [email protected]
- Lead Medical Examiner Officer in Wales: Daisy Shale [email protected]
- National Programme Manager: Andrew Evans [email protected]