Forensic Locum Tenens

05/14/21 • 33 min

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.

Previous Episode

Blunt Force Trauma and Motor Vehicle Collisions

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.

Next Episode

Sharp Force Injuries and Authorship

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.