American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

What is one common cause of death that the medical examiner investigates?

1. Naturally occurring diseases

2. Suicide and homicide

3. Accidental death by overdose

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

All of the options listed—naturally occurring diseases, suicide and homicide, as well as accidental death by overdose—are significant causes of death that fall within the purview of a medical examiner's investigations. The medical examiner's role is to determine the cause and manner of death, particularly in cases that are sudden, unexplained, or related to violence or crime. Naturally occurring diseases, such as heart disease or cancer, may require investigation if there are unusual circumstances surrounding the death or if they occur suddenly without prior medical history. Suicides and homicides are critical types of deaths that often require detailed investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to the death, contributing factors, and to ensure that any criminal acts are addressed appropriately. Accidental deaths, including those due to overdose, are also examined to understand the factors that led to the death and to inform public health policies, provide closure to families, and, when appropriate, contribute to legal proceedings. Therefore, each of these categories is commonly investigated by medical examiners, leading to the conclusion that all of the options presented are relevant and pertinent to the role of a medical examiner in dissecting the complexities surrounding different deaths in their investigations.