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Forensic Doctor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Successful applicants may be assigned to a doctor's office, a patient service center or as business ... Performs with confidence, both the forensic and clinical specimen collection and processing duties ...

Forensic Doctor information

See Michigan salary details

$35.7K

$76.6K

$119.4K

How much do forensic doctor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic doctor in Michigan is $76,593.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensic doctor?

A forensic doctor, also known as a forensic pathologist, is a medical professional who specializes in determining the cause of death by examining bodies, often in cases of sudden, unexplained, or suspicious deaths. They perform autopsies, analyze medical records, collect evidence, and may testify in court regarding their findings. Their work is critical in criminal investigations and legal proceedings, helping to uncover vital information that can aid law enforcement and the justice system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic doctor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Doctor, you need a medical degree (MD or DO), board certification in pathology, and specialized training in forensic pathology. Proficiency with laboratory equipment, autopsy procedures, and forensic data analysis software is typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong communication skills help you analyze evidence accurately and present findings in legal settings. These abilities are vital for ensuring reliable cause-of-death determinations and supporting the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by forensic doctors when collaborating with law enforcement and legal teams?

Forensic doctors often collaborate closely with law enforcement and legal professionals, which can present challenges such as communicating complex medical findings in a way that is understandable to non-medical personnel. They may also face time-sensitive pressures to deliver accurate reports or testimony, especially in high-profile or sensitive cases. Maintaining objectivity and handling potentially graphic or emotionally difficult evidence is another common challenge. Successful forensic doctors develop strong communication skills, attention to detail, and resilience to navigate these aspects of the role effectively.

What is the difference between Forensic Doctor vs Forensic Pathologist?

AspectForensic DoctorForensic Pathologist
CredentialsMedical degree, medical license, specialized training in forensic medicineMedical degree, medical license, residency in pathology, specialized training in forensic pathology
Work EnvironmentHospitals, forensic labs, crime scenes, morguesMorgues, forensic labs, hospitals, crime scene investigations
Industry UsageLegal investigations, crime scene analysis, medical examiner rolesAutopsies, cause of death determinations, legal testimony

While both roles require medical qualifications and involve death investigations, a Forensic Doctor often focuses on medical examinations related to legal cases, whereas a Forensic Pathologist specializes in performing autopsies to determine causes of death. The Forensic Pathologist typically has additional training in pathology and autopsy procedures, making them more specialized in post-mortem examinations.

How do you become a forensic doctor?

To become a forensic doctor, you typically need to complete a medical degree, obtain a medical license, and then pursue specialized training in forensic medicine through residency or fellowship programs. Certification from relevant medical boards and gaining experience in pathology or forensic science are also important steps.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Doctor jobs in Michigan?

For Forensic Doctor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Forensic Doctor jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Forensic Doctor jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Forensic Doctor job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,593 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Physician (Psychiatric Physician) - Direct Hire

BOP: General Practitioner

Milan, MI

$124K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Corrections professionals who foster a humane and secure environment and ensure public safety by preparing individuals for successful reentry into our communities.

Qualifications:

NOTE: In order to make a full and complete assessment of a candidate's work history for salary purposes, applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure detailed information on the following items is provided in their application.Candidates should provide clearly delineated information on:

  1. Scope of present practice, i.e., direct patient care, supervision of subordinates, national consultant, etc.
  2. Complexity of current practice, i.e., forensic evaluation, neuropsychiatry, etc.
  3. Specialized training, if any (addiction, dual diagnosis, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CPT), or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) training, psychosomatic fellowship training, etc.)
  4. Experience with special mental health programs, i.e., self-harm behaviors, etc.
  5. Primary (and secondary) board certification(s)
  6. Specific professional accomplishments, i.e., publications, university positions held, professional organization positions held, presentations, national psychiatry awards, etc.
  7. Multi-lingual capabilities as it relates to professional practice.
  8. Specific correctional psychiatry experience, if any.

To be considered for the position, you must meet the following qualification requirements.
Basic Requirements:
Degree: Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine or equivalent from a school in the United States or Canada. This degree must have been accredited by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association; Association of American Medical Colleges; Liaison Committee on Medical Education; Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association, or an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time the degree was obtained.
Degree from Foreign Medical School: A Doctor of Medicine or equivalent degree from a foreign medical school must provide education and medical knowledge equivalent to accredited schools in the United States. Evidence of equivalency to accredited schools in the United States is demonstrated by permanent certification by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, a fifth pathway certificate for Americans who completed pre-medical education in the United States and graduate education in a foreign country, or successful completion of the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination.
AND
Licensure: Applicants must possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted license or registration as a Physician from a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
NOTE: ALL applicants MUST electronically upload proof of current, active, full and unrestricted license as a Physician, and proof of successful completion of an accredited graduate training internship, fellowship, or residency program for verification at the time you apply.
AND
Graduate Training: Subsequent to obtaining a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree, a candidate must have had at least 1 year of supervised experience providing direct service in a clinical setting, i.e., a 1-year internship or the first year of a residency program in a hospital or an institution accredited for such training. For purposes of this standard, graduate training programs include only those internship, residency, and fellowship programs that are approved by accrediting bodies recognized within the United States or Canada. Descriptions of such programs are described below.
An internship program involves broadly based clinical practice in which physicians acquire experience in treating a variety of medical problems under supervision (e.g., internal medicine, surgery, general practice, obstetrics-gynecology, and pediatrics). Such programs are in hospitals or other institutions accredited for internship training by a recognized body of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
A residency program involves training in a specialized field of medicine in a hospital or an institution accredited for training in the specialty by a recognized body of the American Medical Association (AMA), American Osteopathic Association (AOA) or Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
A fellowship program involves advanced training (beyond residency training) in a given medical specialty in either a clinical or research setting in a hospital or an institution accredited in the United States for such training.
All qualified referred candidates will undergo a credentialing process. This process includes validation of examinations, licensure, education, internship and residency. Please electronically upload these documents along with your required supporting documentation at the time you apply.
AND
Additional Requirements:
GS-13: Applicant must have three years of graduate training in the specialty of the position to be filled (Psychiatry) OR equivalent experience and training.
GS-14: Applicant must have four years of graduate training in the specialty of the position to be filled (Psychiatry) OR equivalent experience and training.
GS-15: Applicant must have five years of graduate training in the specialty of the position to be filled (Psychiatry) OR equivalent experience and training.
Some examples of this qualifying experience are:
GS-13:

  • Experience providing routine psychiatric treatment to patients.
  • Experience knowing the mechanism of action, side effects, toxic nature and drug interactions of prescription medications.
  • Experience in applying medical standards and regulations in assessing patient's condition and appropriate care.
  • Experience preparing basic medical correspondence for various uses, such as physicals, referrals, and dictated history.

GS-14:

  • Experience performing techniques, procedures and treatment planning for recurring or non-complicated cases.
  • Experience in preparing reports for and/or testifies in the U.S. District Courts.
  • Experience performing in a clinical setting where exposure to infectious and contagious disease is common.
  • Experience providing a broad range of direct treatment services and by creating a psychological environment and climate conducive to rehabilitation of mentally ill offenders.

GS-15:

  • Experience monitoring and evaluating quality of patient care in accordance with administrative policies and other regulatory agencies.
  • Experience in providing clinical and administrative oversight to a specific area regarding key issues and potential solutions for services.
  • Experience in making diagnoses and selecting and providing appropriate treatment for emergency medications or emergency consults.
  • Experience in coordinating and providing training for a specific specialty.
  • Experience making recommendations on matters of policy, procedures, training, personnel, and equipment as related to specific area of responsibility and expertise.

If applicable, credit will be given for paid and unpaid work. To receive proper credit, you must show the actual time (such as number of hours worked per week) spent in the activities.
**Your eligibility for consideration will be based on your responses to the questions in the application.**

Education:

See Qualifications Section for education requirements, if applicable.

ONLY if education is a requirement/substitution for specialized experience, applicant MUST upload legible transcripts as verification of educational requirement. Transcripts MUST be uploaded and electronically linked from USAJOBS at the time you apply and MUST include identifying information to include School Name, Student Name, Degree and Date Awarded (if applicable). All academic degrees and coursework must be completed at a college or university that has obtained accreditation or pre-accreditation status from an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, Click Here.

Foreign Education: For information regarding foreign education requirements, please see Foreign Diploma and Credit Recognition at the U.S. Department of Education website: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.

If you are selected for this position and qualified based on education (i.e. basic education requirement and/or substitution of education), you will be required to provide an OFFICIAL transcript prior to your first day on duty.

Employment Type: OTHER