Thanatologist

A thanatologist is an expert in thanatology, the scientific study of death and the losses brought about as a result. They investigate the mechanisms and forensic aspects of death, including bodily changes that accompany death and the post-mortem period, as well as wider psychological and social aspects related to death. Thanatologists are professionals who have backgrounds in social work, therapy, psychology, or pastoral care, and choose to gain specialized knowledge about death and its impact on individuals and communities. They utilize their understanding and skills to assist the people they work with on a daily basis. General Responsibilities: 1. Study the physical effects that death takes on the body through forensic observations 2. Work with families of terminally ill patients to offer grief and bereavement counseling 3. Study how families and friends cope with death after a loved one passes to help others in the future