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Medicolegal Death Investigator Training History and Legacy

Established in 1978 by George E. Gantner Jr., M.D., and Mary Fran Ernst, Saint Louis University’s Medicolegal Death Investigators (MLDI) training was created to address a critical national shortage of certified forensic pathologists. It has since become the premier training ground for lay death investigators across the globe.  

Training Impact

  • 13,000-plus Graduates: professionals trained across 48 states, Canada and many foreign countries 
  • 45-plus Years of Training: held two to three times per year since 1978 
  • 15 Professional Accreditations: CME credits from organizations including the AMA, ANA, MCMEA, Missouri Bar Association and POST Commission 

Program Evolution

By 1978, there was a critical shortage of American Board of Pathology-certified forensic pathologists in the U.S. More populous communities were shifting toward medical examiner systems, replacing the age-old coroner models.  

Gantner and Ernst recognized the need for independent, scientific death investigations. They designed the MLDI training to equip competent lay practitioners with the specialized knowledge and advanced skills necessary to work alongside law enforcement.  

  • Foundation: The first course was conducted over a five-day period with eight lecturers covering 19 forensic-related topics.  
  • Modern Curriculum: Today, the program features 40 hours of instruction delivered by 18 experts. The curriculum is updated annually and includes digital access to death investigation forms and expanded lecture information. 
  • National Standards: The course focuses on the 29 essential skills and standards of practice identified in the National Institute of Justice's 1999 publication, "Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator."  
  • Leadership: Since Gantner’s passing in 1988, the course has continued to develop under the joint direction of Ernst and Michael A. Graham, M.D., professor of pathology and co-director of the Division of Forensic and Environmental Pathology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. 

Next Steps: Choose Your Training Pathway 

MLDI training is designed for individuals new to medicolegal death investigation or those working in or alongside medicolegal offices. 

Explore MLDI Training 

Investigators who wish to maintain their professional competency should consider the University’s Masters Advanced Death Investigators Conference.  

Explore the Masters Conference