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Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program Coordinator and Coordinator of Educational Programs, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner’s Office, Georgia, USA

Intro to pathology? I've always been drawn to true crime and police procedural novels. As a teen, I often had to do some research to better understand medical terms and procedures in the books I was reading. This led me to discover forensic pathology, which fascinated me.

My interest in forensics and criminal justice eventually guided me toward a fulfilling career. After earning a bachelor’s degree in legal studies in 2017, I became a court clerk in my local superior court. This role allowed me to witness the prosecutorial process up close, and while I enjoyed the work, I wanted to grow both personally and professionally.

In January 2022, I found a job opportunity with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Medical Examiner’s Office and applied immediately. I started in June 2022 as an administrative assistant, handling court schedules and transcribing autopsy dictations. I felt proud to use my skills in service of my state, but in February 2023, I was asked to become the on-site Program Coordinator for the Medical College of Georgia Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program at the GBI. In this role, I discovered my true calling.

Professional ambitions? Growing up as the child of a teacher, education was always a top priority, with kindness being a close second.

I love learning new things and aim to be skilled in various areas so I can help wherever needed in my program, office, or agency. I believe in spreading kindness because it creates a ripple effect – when people experience compassion and understanding, they pass it on to others.

Using knowledge and kindness to build relationships, improve our program, and serve my state gives me a deep sense of personal and professional fulfillment. As the Program Coordinator, I'm responsible for scheduling educational experiences for forensic pathologists in training. I take this responsibility seriously, combining my passion for education, kindness, and organizational skills to ensure they receive the training they need. Their success is my priority, and I’m committed to supporting them every step of the way.

I also see myself as their biggest cheerleader, providing a safe and supportive environment. I want every fellow, resident, and medical student in our program to feel cared for, both personally and professionally. This sense of belonging enhances the learning experience and the overall environment, something I am dedicated to fostering and improving.

Exciting developments and trends? In the Medical College of Georgia Forensic Pathology Fellowship Program at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, an exciting trend is emerging: sharing information about our field with younger people or anyone interested in learning more. This is essential, especially given the current shortage of medical examiners in the country. It takes about 13 years of education to become a forensic pathologist, so we're starting early to build interest in the field.

We're actively engaging with younger people by allowing them to attend court appearances, participate in shadow days, discuss their educational plans, and more. By building relationships with them now, we're laying the foundation for them to possibly join us in the future and help address the shortage of forensic pathologists.

Program Director Rachel Geller, past fellows, and I take every opportunity to promote forensic pathology. Some of our efforts include:

• Speaking at high schools across the state about the importance of forensic pathology.
• Providing virtual lectures to high school students on the dangers of drug use, distracted driving, and speeding.
• Offering virtual lectures on forensic topics for residents.
• Setting up electives at nearby medical schools, allowing students to observe our work firsthand.
• Hosting shadow days for pre-med and medical students.
• Giving high school tour groups a look at human skeletal remains and histology slides while explaining our work.
• Hosting rotations for residents who may apply for our fellowship program.
• Attending specialty fairs at local medical schools.
• Discussing the current shortage with prosecutors, investigators, interns, and coroners to improve collaboration and ensure timely case completion and report releases.

These efforts aim to spark interest in forensic pathology and create a future workforce to address the shortage in this crucial field.