Medical Examiner staff warn of critical retention risks as market study delays continue

Forensic pathologists, investigators and technicians at the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office (TCME) told the Commissioners Court the office is struggling to retain critical staff and urged court action to address market‑based pay shortfalls and salary compression.

Multiple TCME leaders described specialized, around‑the‑clock work that cannot be done remotely and that requires advanced scientific training. Marissa Valencia, chief investigator, said investigators respond to scenes at all hours and that the unit currently has 13 investigators plus leadership and provides services to neighboring counties for private autopsy requests. “It is a job that requires resilience, professionalism, and a deep commitment,” Valencia said.

Physician staff also warned of national shortages. Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Lauren Edelman and deputy pathologist Catherine Callahan described a nationwide shortage of forensic pathologists and said many offices actively recruit experienced examiners with higher pay and lighter schedules. “There are only approximately 800 practicing forensic pathologists in the entire country,” Edelman said, urging swift local action to remain competitive.

Operational impacts already reported: TCME leaders said turnover has reduced experienced capacity. Chief investigator Marissa Valencia said three senior investigators with nearly 20 years of combined experience left in the prior year for higher pay or less rigorous schedules. The office reported it liquidated a pathology fellowship position last year and used those funds to increase shift investigator pay to retain staff.

Scientific staff highlighted workload and training burdens. Bradley Hall, chief toxicologist, described an accredited laboratory that processes roughly 2,000 cases per year and includes certified toxicologists and doctoral‑level staff. Alyssa Colazo, chief autopsy technician, said a single technician unit handles duties that in other jurisdictions are split across multiple departments, and that staff work seven days a week and do not telework.

Where the matter stands: HRMD presented a market review for the medical examiner’s office earlier this year. TCME leaders said they had previously concurred with eight of 21 HRMD recommendations but, in a most recent review based on different pay scales, they now concur with only three of 21 recommendations. Chief Medical Examiner Keith Pinker said some recommended minimums decreased from the March review and warned that a two‑step approach to adjustments would delay fixes further.

What TCME asked for: office leaders asked the court to prioritize a market‑based adjustment that addresses both specialized physician pay and technical/bench staff, to authorize a career ladder for autopsy technicians and to avoid multi‑year delays that would risk losing more experienced staff.

Court action: no compensation or reclassification decisions for TCME were made during the hearing. TCME leaders said prior internal steps to reallocate funds helped temporarily, but they requested formal county budget action to establish sustainable, market‑aligned pay.