Forensic Pathology Shadowing Experience

Service Information

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office offers a structured shadowing experience for students and professionals with a serious interest in forensic pathology and medicolegal death investigation. This experience provides participants the opportunity to observe the daily operations of one of the nation’s busiest medical examiner’s offices, including autopsy procedures, case review, and multidisciplinary collaboration involved in determining cause and manner of death. The experience is designed to provide meaningful exposure while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and confidentiality. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Must have junior standing or higher in college
  • Must practice or be pursuing a course of study in medicine, nursing, law, criminalistics, or law enforcement
  • Must demonstrate a clear and sustained interest in forensic pathology or medicolegal death investigation 
    How to Apply

    Interested applicants should contact:

    Dr. Bartlomiej Radzik at Observership.MEO@cookcountyil.gov

    Subject line of email MUST contain: Forensic Pathology Shadowing

    Applicants should include their statement of interest along with current academic or professional status.

    Eligible candidates will be contacted to coordinate scheduling based on availability. Preference is given to first-time participants. 

    Important Notes 

    • This is a short-term shadowing experience only and does not constitute employment or formal training
    • No internships, formal or informal, are available at this time
    • This opportunity is exclusively focused on forensic pathology; no clinical or surgical rotations are offered
    • Participants are strictly limited to observational activities only and may not perform autopsies or any hands-on procedures
    • The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is not affiliated with Cook County Health Hospital or John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital. Inquiries unrelated to forensic pathology will not receive a response
    • If you believe you qualify for the International Observership Program, more information is available at: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/international-observership-program