Medical Examiner

The Office of the Medical Examiner investigates deaths that may pose a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare of the community. When a death is reported to our office, we conduct an investigation, which may include a postmortem examination. Depending on the case, the examination may be a complete autopsy or limited to the external surfaces. The extent of the examination is determined by the Medical Examiner by the standards set by the National Association of Medical Examiners. All postmortem examinations are performed by board-certified forensic pathologists who have received advanced training in their area of expertise. 

The Grand Traverse County Health Department contracts with the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) for these services. The Chief Medical Examiner is Patrick Hansma, D.O. 

Contact:

For more information, visit the WMed website or call the main line at 269-337-6173. For after-hours call 844-337-6001 ext. 112.