Harris County Medical Examiner Addresses Forensic Pathologist Shortages and Cost-Saving Measures

Harris County is taking significant steps to address staffing shortages in its medical examiner's office, which currently faces a critical lack of forensic pathologists. During the recent FY2026 budget hearings, Dr. Pramuganpani highlighted that out of 15 vacant positions, four are for highly specialized assistant medical examiners. These roles require extensive training, including 13 years of education, making recruitment particularly challenging amid a nationwide shortage.

The county has successfully hired two new examiners in July and is actively interviewing for another position, but the process remains slow. To combat these difficulties, officials are advocating for a salary study to ensure competitive pay, rather than relying solely on a countywide cost-of-living adjustment.

In addition to staffing concerns, the medical examiner's office is exploring innovative solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs. One promising initiative involves the use of a CT machine, funded by taxpayers, which is expected to streamline case evaluations. This technology could significantly decrease report turnaround times, allowing for quicker results for families.

Currently, the average full examination costs around $3,000, while an external examination, which could be facilitated by the CT scan, would only cost between $1,500 and $1,700. This shift not only aims to enhance service delivery but also to generate substantial cost savings for the county.

As Harris County navigates these challenges, the focus remains on improving operational efficiency and ensuring that the medical examiner's office can effectively serve the community despite ongoing staffing hurdles.