Shadowing/International Observership Program

Email
Observership.MEO@cookcountyil.gov
Service Information

International Observership Program – Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office 

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office offers an exclusive observership program designed for international medical students and medical doctors with a demonstrated interest in forensic pathology. This program provides the opportunity to observe the daily operations of a large, active, and nationally recognized medical examiner’s office and forensic laboratory. Participants will gain exposure to multiple aspects of forensic pathology, including autopsy procedures, evidence evaluation, and case workflow for the certification of the cause and manner of death. The observership aims to support professional development while fostering cross-cultural exchange within a diverse and academically engaged forensic environment.

 Eligibility Requirements 

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Having a demonstrated interest in forensic pathology

  • Must have strong proficiency in English language.
  • Must currently reside outside the United States. Applicants who are citizens of another country but who live, study, or work in the United States are not eligible.
    • If you currently live in the United States, click here for further observership opportunities. 

How to Apply 

Applicants interested in the International Observership Program should contact:

Dr. Lorenzo Gitto or Dr. Bartlomiej Radzik at Observership.MEO@cookcountyil.gov 

To be considered for the observership rotation, the email subject MUST contain the words ‘Forensic Pathology’ 

Important Notes 

  • The maximum duration of the observership is four weeks.
  • This program is exclusively in forensic pathology; no clinical or surgical rotations are offered.
  • Applicants are not permitted to perform autopsies or participate in any activities beyond observation.
  • The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office is not part of Cook County Health Hospital or John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital. No replies will be provided to inquiries unrelated to forensic pathology.