With over 5,000 autopsies to his name and experience taking the stand in more than 100 cases, Dr. James Fulcher’s work makes him an ideal instructor to impart real-world knowledge to budding forensic medicine practitioners. Fulcher is the District 7 Medical Examiner in Volusia County, Fla., and shares his expertise teaching courses at the Maples Center for Forensic Medicine.
“The Forensic Medicine program has allowed me to provide high value education and lectures, but in an online format,” Fulcher said. “The online format allows this work to fit my busy schedule. Teaching is really the most enjoyable part of my job.”
While he has excelled as a practitioner and educator in the forensics field, Fulcher’s initial interest in medicine had little to do with forensic work.
“I had my mind made up that I would be a family practitioner in my hometown in the mountains of Virginia,” he recalled. However, during medical school, he recognized that traditional medical practice was evolving in ways that did not appeal to him. “Forensic medicine appealed to me because it is generally not affected by the multitude of problems with medicine,” he said, highlighting how forensic pathology offers him more freedom as a doctor.
This clarity of purpose led him to a career in forensic medicine, and his extensive education laid the foundation for his leadership in the field via the medical and legal communities.
Since becoming the Chief Medical Examiner of Florida District 7, Dr. Fulcher has faced rewarding and challenging experiences. One of his most significant accomplishments was overseeing the construction of a new facility for his office and obtaining National Association of Medical Examiner (NAME) accreditation. “The previous building did not meet any standards and was fairly challenging to work in,” he shares.
Now, with a state-of-the-art facility, Dr. Fulcher has created an environment that fosters in-person and virtual autopsy education. He credits the success of the office to his dedicated staff. “My employees are very special to me, and I try to constantly remind them that I appreciate the hard work they do.” His leadership has transformed the District 7 office into a center of excellence in forensic pathology, and his ability to foster talent and secure necessary resources has made a lasting impact on the region.
Before taking on the role of Chief Medical Examiner in Volusia County, Dr. Fulcher spent a decade as the Chief Deputy Medical Examiner in Greenville County, South Carolina. While in Greenville, Fulcher maintained a teaching load that rivaled many full-time professors, serving on curriculum and admissions committees and earning high praise from students. His commitment to education was a major factor in securing his position in Volusia County, where he introduced a robust educational component to the medical examiner’s office.
As his career expands, Fulcher prioritizes teaching and remains dedicated to shaping the next generation of forensic professionals. He leads courses including Principles of Forensic Medicine for the Maples Center’s Forensic Medicine program. “The students are my favorite part,” he said.
Dr. Fulcher’s advice for prospective students or young professionals interested in forensic pathology is to focus on academic excellence and immerse yourself in the medical field. “Make studying for the MCAT and making very high grades in basic science courses your job,” he advised, emphasizing the importance of a strong foundation in healthcare. He also encourages students to seek shadowing opportunities, volunteer, and participate in healthcare-related research to build a competitive edge.
Through his expertise, leadership, and dedication to education, Fulcher continues to leave an indelible mark on forensic medicine as he inspires peers and newcomers alike.
ABOUT THE ONLINE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN FORENSIC MEDICINE
The 100% online, instructor-led Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Forensic Medicine is designed for students and working professionals seeking to apply medical knowledge to the investigation of crime. Our unique program emphasizes the practical exercise of forensic medicine in the forensic sciences and medicolegal death investigation rather than on academic or research tracks alone. This fully online program is ideal for professionals interested in accelerating their careers in forensic medicine, forensic pathology, and medicolegal death investigation.