Forensic pathology is one of those jobs most people think they understand because they have seen enough true crime shows to feel confident.

The real version is different.

In this episode of Maxwell’s Kitchen, I talk with Dr. Sean Hurst, a forensic pathologist and medical examiner in Oregon, about what medical examiners actually do, how autopsies work, how death investigations happen, and why real forensic pathology is much more careful, medical, and human than TV makes it look.

We get into cause and manner of death, criminal investigations, unidentified remains, dental records, DNA, genetic genealogy, cold cases, courtroom testimony, and what forensic pathology can and cannot explain after someone dies.

Dr. Hurst also talks about the emotional side of the job: communicating with families, protecting confidentiality, dealing with traumatic material, maintaining objectivity, and learning how to leave work at work when your work involves death every day.

In this episode:
• What a forensic pathologist actually does
• How medical examiners determine cause and manner of death
• What happens during an autopsy
• How death investigations work
• How medical examiners work with law enforcement
• Why criminal cases are only part of the job
• How unidentified remains are investigated
• Dental records, DNA, and genetic genealogy
• Why some deaths are difficult to explain
• Court testimony and expert witnesses
• The emotional toll of forensic pathology
• Why true crime and TV often get the job wrong

Guest:
Dr. Sean Hurst is a forensic pathologist working in Oregon. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Seton Hall University, then received his MD from St. George’s University. He completed an anatomic and clinical pathology residency in New Jersey and trained in forensic pathology in Miami, Florida.

He moved to Oregon almost five years ago to become a Deputy State Medical Examiner and has served as Chief Medical Examiner for about four years. Outside of work, Dr. Hurst is an avid baker. He and his wife can usually be found fostering dogs and kittens for rescues around Portland.

All production by Cody Maxwell.

Artwork by Cody Maxwell.

Opening graphic assets by sonorafilms.

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