In this episode, Dr. Geoffrey Smith, the Chief Medical Examiner for the state of Georgia, shares insights into the world of forensic pathology. He discusses the differences between medical examiners and coroners, the challenges faced in the field, and the emotional toll of dealing with death on a daily basis. Dr. Smith recounts personal anecdotes from his career, including experiences with murder trials and the impact of the fentanyl epidemic. He explains the process of death investigation, the importance of determining cause and manner of death, and the complexities involved in death certificates.

Takeaways

* Forensic pathology is a specialized field that requires extensive training.
* Medical examiners are often confused with coroners, but they have different qualifications.
* The emotional toll of working in forensic pathology is significant and requires coping mechanisms.
* Fentanyl has become a leading cause of drug-related deaths in recent years.
* The manner of death can be classified as natural, accident, suicide, homicide, or undetermined.
* Investigating sudden and unexpected deaths often involves complex medical and legal considerations.
* The process of death investigation includes collaboration with law enforcement and other agencies.
* Death certificates are important legal documents that require careful consideration of cause and manner of death.
* The recruitment and retention of qualified forensic pathologists is a growing concern in the U.S.
* Personal anecdotes from the field highlight the unpredictable nature of forensic pathology. 

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