About Us
“Medicolegal death investigation is the arsenal to public health and prevention efforts for our communities. -Dotti
DOTTI OWENS, M.A., D-ABMDI
With over 20 years of experience in medicolegal death investigation, Dotti Owens retired from the Ada County Coroner’s Office. During her tenure as coroner for 8 years and as a medicolegal death investigator for 17 years, Dotti led teams responsible for investigations, pathology, and autopsies. Her responsibilities included hiring, training, and supervising staff, emphasizing continuous education and professional growth.
Dotti’s collaborative approach extended to partnerships with law enforcement, public health leaders, and elected officials. She focused on improving operations, grant writing, and budget management, earning accreditation for the Coroner’s Office from the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) and the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME).
Since retiring, Dotti has excelled as an expert consultant, specializing in regional development of forensic pathology facilities, grant writing, and training. She remains actively involved in the field, serving on various boards locally and nationally, and advocating for improvements in the coroner/medical examiner system. Dotti holds a bachelor’s degree from Boise State University and a master’s degree from Arizona State University. She is a certified diplomat with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators and is currently pursuing her PhD in Public Health.
Some of her professional accomplishments include:
- International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME), Full Accreditation
- International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME), Executive Board Member
- CDC; Development of Opioid Overdose Medicolegal Death Investigation Training
- Governor appointment to Idaho Child Fatality Review Team
- Idaho Council on Suicide Prevention
- Death Investigation Training Academy Advisory Board
- Idaho State Association of Counties, President-Elect
- National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME), Full Accreditation
- National Association of Counties (NACo), Vice Chair Health and Human Services
- Idaho State Association of County Coroners, President-Elect
Dotti is honored to have been asked to present to many government and other organizations on medicolegal death investigation and best practices. The time spent with these organizations is imperative to county government, especially those within the Coroner/Medical Examiner field.
M.A. Criminology/Criminal Justice Administration
B.A. Criminal Justice Administration & Anthropology (m)
Heather McDougal
As an IT engineer, I am proficient in MDILog, the coroner and medical examiner software, adept at leveraging its capabilities to streamline case management and documentation processes. Skilled in training team members on software utilization and developing customized shortcuts to enhance efficiency.
Experienced in compiling comprehensive annual and accreditation reports, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and facilitating the accreditation process for coroner and medical examiner offices.
I was actively involved in the accreditation process for the Ada County Coroner’s Office from 2015 to 2023, collaborating with colleagues to meet rigorous standards and elevate the quality of services provided to the community. My dedication to promoting best practices and achieving accreditation underscores my commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and quality in the field of medicolegal death investigations.
Aquired grant certifications hosted by federal grant agency. I excel in conducting thorough research to pinpoint appropriate funding opportunities and grasp the nuances of funding guidelines and criteria. My exceptional ability lies in crafting compelling grant proposals tailored to funding organizations’ specific requirements and preferences. I am skilled in effectively communicating project goals, methodologies, and potential impact to potential funders through persuasive writing and presentations. Additionally, as a strategic thinker, I have a knack for identifying innovative funding sources and opportunities to support organizational goals.
I received a certificate in medicolegal death investigation, demonstrating my expertise in the thorough and meticulous investigation of deaths with legal implications. This certification signifies my proficiency in applying forensic science principles and protocols to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as my ability to collect and analyze evidence in accordance with legal standards. With this certification, I can conduct comprehensive death investigations, collaborate with law enforcement agencies and legal professionals, and provide expert testimony in court proceedings.
Medicolegal Death Investigations Certification
