Coroner/CoronerThe sudden or unexplained death of a person has a huge impact on the families and friends of the deceased and places a huge role of responsibility on the medical examiner to respond to questions that might provide a conclusion. Interaction with loved ones of the deceased is a delicate matter that must be approached calmly and professionally. In general, medical examiners are ambitious, objective, analytical and optimistic. “I can't do anything for the deceased, they're gone. But if I can do something for the family, I will." (www.voxmagazine.com) Being a medical examiner is a very difficult role. For example, you have five questions you must answer every time you are at the scene: who (person's identity), when (date of death), where (place of death), how (medical cause of death), by what means ( natural causes, accident, homicide, suicide or undetermined). Usually, after the medical examiner answers all the questions he or she needs to answer, the family arranges to have the body sent to the service provider of their choice. In some cases, when the family cannot make arrangements due to difficulties, the medical examiner sends the body to a designated forensic laboratory or hospital for an autopsy. Most people think that to be an organ donor you have to have done so or planned before death. In some cases, when the medical examiner is involved, it is sometimes possible to make tissue or organ donations. When family is involved, they should inform the medical examiner of their desired wishes. During a death investigation, funeral plans may be delayed if an autopsy is necessary or if the investigation takes longer. A medical examiner is a person who has the qualifications of a lawyer, doctor, or sometimes both. Coroners usually work part-time, the rest... in the middle of paper... maybe with chalk or tape the outline of a body? The answer is no, they only see it on TV for dramatic effect; they measure where the body is, photograph and film the scene. If you've ever enjoyed watching crime scene shows, perhaps being a medical examiner is for you. To be a medical examiner you must be licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners to practice medicine in Louisiana, and also be a resident of the parish or someone qualified. A medical examiner can earn at least $140,000 to $160,000 per year. The average salary is $75,000 per year for a medical examiner. You can earn quite good money as a coroner. Just remember to remain optimistic and that interacting with loved ones of the deceased is a delicate matter that must be approached calmly and professionally. “It takes a certain type of individual to work in the profession, it really does.” (www.homicide.latimes.com)