What is the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner (IOSME)?

The IOSME includes medical doctors (forensic pathologists), investigators, and other staff. We provide forensic autopsy and investigative services when requested to do so by county medical examiners and law enforcement agencies. Our mission is to establish credibility in death investigation in a system that will operate efficiently and serve the needs of the citizens of Iowa. The IOSME also provides support, guidance, education, consultation, and training to county medical examiners and investigators who are responsible for investigating violent, suspicious, and unexpected natural deaths, as well as other educational activities.

Our goal is to assist the county medical examiners and law enforcement agencies in determining a scientifically unbiased and logical cause and manner of death. The information gathered during a forensic death investigation and subsequent autopsy is critical to many civil court cases and murder trials. This information will also help us provide answers to assist you in understanding your loved one’s death.