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Plenty of people are feeling overworked and overwhelmed these days, as shortages in a variety of industries mean there is more work to go around. In some professions, that is an inconvenience, but for the folks in the office of West Virginia's Chief Medical Examiner, it's a problem.
According to a report to lawmakers by Matthew Izzo, administrative director of the West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, forensic pathologists here are being asked to perform at least twice the number of autopsies as the national best practice standard. That results in significant delays, with the average turnaround on an autopsy report coming in at 240 days. More than 300 autopsy reports are still unfinished after a year or more.
As is the case in many fields, officials have had to get creative to ease the burden -in this case, contracting with physicians on a part-time basis to ease the backlog. But Izzo says the office would like another 12 pathologists on board.
It's a problem, and not just for law enforcement.
"We've had calls coming into our office where a lady was eight months out, and she was being evicted from her home. Especially when the primary breadwinner, whether it's the husband or wife, passes. ... it really puts them in a situation of how are they going to pay the bills, the mortgage, car payment, kids, etc," said Robert Kimes, executive director of the West Virginia Funeral Directors and Crematory Operators Association.
Pointing out the problem is easy. But in a field as specialized as forensic pathology, finding a solution will not be simple. If there are incentives that might entice more to consider the field, they should be approved at once. Meanwhile, students and those in related fields, take note. Here is yet another opportunity (there are so many here) to fill a need.