The Office of Medical Examiners for the State of Michigan (OME) was established through a partnership between Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to strengthen communication, coordination, and access to shared resources across Michigan's county-based medical examiner system. Jointly housed within MSU's College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Office of the Chief Medical Executive at MDHHS, our mission is to provide statewide coordination, technical assistance, education, and professional support that responds to the unique needs of Michigan's county medical examiner offices. The OME operates as a voluntary, service-oriented resource that preserves existing statutory authority, reporting structures, and county governance.
Our vision is a connected, collaborative, and sustainable medicolegal death investigation system in which every Michigan county has access to the knowledge, resources, and partnerships needed to carry out this essential work. Guided by county-identified priorities, the OME seeks to address shared challenges, reduce administrative burden where possible, promote best practices, and create meaningful opportunities for collaboration. We recognize and value the expertise, dedication, and independence of county medical examiners and their staff, and believe that lasting improvements must be shaped by the professionals serving their communities.
The impact of strong medicolegal death investigation extends well beyond determining the cause and manner of death. Accurate and thorough investigations provide answers to families, support the administration of justice, strengthen public health surveillance, and inform efforts to prevent future deaths. By supporting the professionals and systems responsible for this critical work, the OME aims to improve the quality and consistency of death investigation services, strengthen statewide partnerships, and contribute to healthier, safer communities throughout Michigan.
Above all, we are committed to listening, collaborating, and serving as a trusted partner to county medical examiner offices whenever support is needed.