Jan M. Gorniak, D.O. was born and raised in Bronx, New York. She attended Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania. After completing a traditional internship, Dr. Gorniak trained in anatomic pathology at University Hospitals of Cleveland and Forensic Pathology at the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office.
Dr. Gorniak is certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Pathology. She served as a Deputy Coroner and Forensic Pathologist for Franklin County from July 2005 to January 2008. She is a member of the College of American Pathologists, the National Association of Medical Examiners, the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners, and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Dr. Gorniak is also a registered death investigator through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators.
In November 2008, Dr. Gorniak was elected to the position of Franklin County Coroner. She is the county's first full-time forensic pathologist coroner. Dr. Gorniak also serves as a forensic pathologist, still performing autopsies, in addition to her administrative duties.