If an individual dies in any suspicious circumstances, it is very difficult to find the cause of the death. Professionals are needed to find the exact cause of the death, whether it is accidental or motivated. Medical Examiners and Coroners are the officials who perform this investigation in their own way. Medical Examiners perform the post-mortem and find out the biological reasons that cause the death of the individual. Coroners find out the motive if any behind the death and issue the death certificates. It is their duty to identify the dead person and perform the legal formalities related to the death.

Medical Examiner and its opportunities

Medical Examiners are usually employed in hospitals to handle various death cases. Licensed medical examiners are only allowed to practice in the hospitals. As every hospital needs a medical examiner, several opportunities are available for the medical examiners in this field. Those who are appointed in the government hospitals should have experience in the concerned field. Their status and salaries are higher than that of those who are working in other hospitals. The role of medical examiners is very crucial in legal cases related to murder as their indications are considered as the reason for the death.

Coroner and its opportunities

Coroners are usually appointed by the government for investigating the cause of the death and to maintain the death records, if needed. They can earn high salary after working as a government official. They can work in forensic laboratories and perform forensic analysis to find out the cause of the death. They can also find many opportunities in various investigation agencies.  They can also find better career opportunities in various law enforcement agencies.

Key difference between Medical Examiner and Coroner

• One can pursue their career as Medical Examiner in any institution only after obtaining the concerned license from the government. But such kind of license is not required to perform the duty of the coroner.
• Medical degree is must for a medical examiner while coroners can hold either a medical degree or legal degree. Those who have studied biology as major subject during graduation can also perform the role of the coroner.

Even though both these professionals work in the same field, their duties are different. Opportunities of medical examiners are limited to hospitals while coroners can find opportunities in different fields.