Forensic Locum Tenens

The devil is in the details.Invigorated by thrilling television shows such as How to Get Away with Murder and Dexter, some people believe they can concoct the perfect plan to conceal a murder.  Throughout this season, we've asked our audience to send us their ideas of ways to hide a homicide.  Listen as our doctors examine and evaluate the most popular submissions on the basis of plausibility, materials needed, ease or difficulty of execution, and the autopsy findings.  Find out why a thorough medicolegal death investigation makes it very difficult to get away with murder.As a bonus, we invite Allison Arnold, a senior trial attorney with the Monroe County Prosecutor's Office, on the show.  She will help us better understand the corpus delicti rule, or "body of the crime", and how it pertains to prosecutions where no dead body can be examined.

It's better than a sharp stick in the eye.On a very basic level, sharp force injuries are caused by weapons with at least one cutting edge, and the most commonly seen injuries are stab wounds and incised wounds.  What is the distinction between the two?  Do the injuries provide you with clues to the weapon that was used?  Listen to our doctors as they explore this area of forensic pathology.In the second part of this episode, we introduce you to Dr. Patrick Hansma.  Dr. Hansma is no stranger to the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office.   Follow along with us as we learn about drives him and his passions.  Dr. Hansma also speaks about his adventures in authorship with this first book, The Grave Below.

Autopsies dipped in gold.Sit down with us as we have a chat with Dr. Sarah Avedschmidt.  She is a forensic pathologist in the Golden State of California who also spends time in our office as a locum tenens.  Hear about the fascinating journey she took in becoming a forensic pathologist.

Blunt force trauma can result in a variety of injuries that can include abrasions, contusions, and lacerations.  The pattern and location of these injuries help distinguish inflicted trauma from accidental injuries.  An additional complication with blunt force trauma injuries is determining an appropriate manner of death based on the circumstances in which the injuries were sustained.  Follow along with us as the doctors discuss these issues as they relate to popular sports.In the second part of the episode, learn about the patterned injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision.   Are there differences between the injuries that drivers and passengers incur?  What about pedestrians who are struck by vehicles?  Does speed play a role?  We also describe the autopsy findings of  Paul Walker and Randy Savage to point out some of the challenges in determining the actual cause of death of people who die while in a vehicle. 

You wake up dead in the Sunshine State.  What happens now?In this bonus mini episode, take a drive with us down I-75 to Florida where we have a relaxing discussion with Dr. Milad Webb.  Hear about how he is adjusting to his new position in the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office.  Learn about the structure of his office and how autopsies and death investigations are performed in west central Florida.  We also talk about the similarities and differences between our two metropolitan communities.  Join us and share some heart-felt laughs.