Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is recruiting a Temporary On-Call Autopsy Assistant. Expected to last from December 1st, 2024 – June 30th, 2025. Prepares bodies for postmortem examinations, assists pathologist during and after the examination, and prepares body for release to funeral home; provide medical photography services. Provides support with transfer of cadavers to anatomy laboratory and into storage, maintenance of cadavers and the anatomy lab, and assisting with prosections of cadavers, as needed. Performs routine and non-routine activities involved in the storage, filing, and preparation of slides for microscopic evaluation and adheres to established quality control criteria and established procedures.

• Performs external examination, photographs, and collects, packages, and/or delivers specimens for laboratory analysis on post-mortem subjects.
• Performs autopsy dissection, documents data, observations, weights, and measurements following established procedures, stores autopsy specimens, and disposes of them according to established procedures.
• Prepares body for funeral home, notifies designated office, and completes all records.
• Photographs surgical, autopsy and graphic materials, upload digital photographs, and creates permanent record of photographs with accurate labeling.
• Assists in the anatomy lab to include: support with transfer of cadavers to anatomy laboratory and into storage, maintenance of cadavers and the anatomy lab, and prosections of cadavers.
• Assists in the histology lab to include: maintains organization of all glass slides and paraffin blocks; ensure proper accessioning and labeling of all tissue samples, including operation of slide and cassette printing equipment; prepares samples for shipment, including inventory procedures and generating shipping documentation; perform routine and non-routine activities involved in the preparation of slides for microscopic evaluation, as directed by Lead Histotechnologist; perform routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment, perform scheduled maintenance, and troubleshoot minor equipment failures; document remedial actions such as repairs or repeated tests.
• Organizes workload to complete assignments within requested time frame.
• Documents and maintains evidence in accordance with chain of custody protocols.
• Reviews, investigates, and authorizes cremation permit requests.
• At times may be responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids from cadavers outside of department.
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• All other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The
requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Associate degree or two years of college preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology preferred.
• Experience managing, organizing, and shipping samples preferred.
• Experience operating cassette and slide printing equipment a strong plus.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Comfortable communicating with family members of recently deceased individuals.
• Knowledge and proficiency with web based applications and other software as required by the department.
• Ability to interpret, comprehend, and transmit complicated and detailed instructions accurately.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge and proficiency in grammar and spelling skills.
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of workflow.
• Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.
• Ability to operate automated standard office equipment such as multi-line phone system, copier, fax machine, shredder, etc.

INTERPERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exhibits a commitment to the values expressed in the medical school mission, vision and values;
  Educational Pledge; Code of Professional Conduct; and building a supportive learning and working
  environment with a positive attitude at the work place and toward their job.
  
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact in a positive and helpful manner with all
  constituents both internally and externally in a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
  
• Ability to work effectively on group projects with internal and external customers in a collaborative manner.
  
• Applies knowledge of principles and process for providing exemplary stakeholder service and support. This
  includes assessment of stakeholder needs, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of
  stakeholder satisfaction.
  
• Maintains the confidentiality of all patient, employee, physician, student, and institutional information.
  
• Support and assist enhancing the culture, diversity and inclusiveness of the medical school.

About Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed)

We are committed to excellence and health equity through transformative medical education, high-quality, patient- and family-entered care, innovative research, and community partnerships within a just culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our vision is health equity for all in Southwest Michigan through innovation in the practice and study of medicine.

The medical school is a collaboration of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two teaching health systems, Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare. The medical school is a private nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income. WMed is the recipient of a $100 million foundational gift and the Empowering Futures Gift, a philanthropic commitment of $300 million to support the mission of the medical school. WMed contributes to the economic vitality of Southwest Michigan through the services we provide as well as the creation of 1,600 new jobs and an annual estimated economic impact of $353 million in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.

WMed is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Higher Learning Commission. The medical school offers a comprehensive, innovative four-year Doctor of Medicine degree program and a Master of Science degree program in Biomedical Sciences. We train physicians in 10 residencies and five fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. To support our educational mission, we have Joint Accreditation for interprofessional continuing education, which incorporates accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

WMed Health is the clinical practice of the medical school with more than 300 providers offering comprehensive primary care and specialty services in several locations throughout the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas. Faculty in the Department of Pathology serve as the Office of the Medical Examiner for counties throughout Michigan and northern Indiana.

The W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus located in downtown Kalamazoo serves as the primary educational facility with student study and social spaces, team-based learning halls, faculty and administrative offices, a state-of-the-art Simulation Center accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, basic science research labs, as well as toxicology and forensic pathology labs.

WMed builds upon Kalamazoo’s century-long foundation of drug discovery and medical device development with a strategic investment in clinical, laboratory, community, and educational research. The Center for Immunobiology, Center for Clinical Research, Research Histology Lab, Innovation Center, and Human Research Protection Program contribute to the medical school’s advancement of knowledge through innovation and discovery. 

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer of females, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans, and actively strives to increase diversity within its community. We provide a drug- and tobacco-free workplace.

EEO Minorities/Women/Disabled/Protected Veterans.