Forensic Medicine Associates, Inc.

?? In forensic investigations, teeth can be a powerful tool! Forensic odontology is a specialized field of forensic anthropology that involves the study of teeth, dental records, and bite marks to help identify human remains and provide evidence in legal cases. Forensic odontologists analyze dental patterns, compare dental records with those of victims, and can also assess bite mark injuries on victims or suspects. Their work is crucial in situations where traditional identification methods are challenging, such as in cases of mass disasters or when bodies are severely decomposed.

Hannah Coltrain, MS, PA(ASCP)?gave a compelling poster presentation at the National Association of Medical Examiners 2024 Annual Meeting titled "Spontaneous Esophageal Rupture in a Child with FDXR-Associated Fe-S Synthesis Mitochondriopathy." Her presentation focused on how primary mitochondrial diseases present with a wide range of clinical manifestations, largely due to their varied effects on mitochondrial structure or function. The FDXR gene encodes ferredoxin reductase, an enzyme used in protein synthesis as part of the “iron-sulfur” (Fe-S) cluster which holds many roles in cellular processes such as oxidative phosphorylation, DNA repair, and DNA replication.?? The case study used presents a 23-month-old pediatric male afflicted with FDXR-Associated Fe-S Synthesis Mitochondrial Disease, who passed at home following complications of an infectious nature. At autopsy, the presence of Boerhaave syndrome was confirmed grossly and histologically.? There are ongoing studies and emerging literature describing the clinical variations of this disease overall, and documented evidence supports the severe early onset of symptoms following periods of illness. This case represents one of <100 FDXR-related mitochondriopathies reported globally to date, emphasizing both the need for increased clinical reporting and for awareness to those predisposed to these.?

Unveiling the truth: our office shared real-life insights into medicolegal death investigation for Cross Keys High School's criminal justice class. ???♂??? Inv. Kevin Hearst Hearst and Public Education Specialist, Brittany Godfrey gave a presentation covering the role of the medical examiner's office, death investigations, the forensic lab, various career options, and our collaboration with public health to promote community well-being. Following each presentation, Inv. Hearst led an exciting tour of our transport vehicle.

Join us and Georgia Overdose Prevention on Thursday, November 7, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Heck.house for an essential community education event aimed at tackling the opioid crisis and empowering individuals with life-saving knowledge. This workshop will begin at 7:00 pm and will provide crucial information about opioid overdoses and hands-on training on how to administer naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. This event is a part of our prevention initiatives designed to be informative and practical, giving community members the tools and knowledge they need to make a difference in emergency situations related to opioid overdoses. Parking is limited so reserve your spot at www.heck.house/happenings You can find more information about naloxone on the Georgia Overdose Prevention website. https://lnkd.in/gTr4Hvqk If you cannot attend this event, we will be holding more in the future.

Today is World Mental Health Day! ?? ?? ?? The mental health challenges faced by professionals in medicolegal death investigations and medical examiners are significant. 1. Emotional and Psychological Strain ??: Exposure to Trauma: Our industry frequently encounters graphic and distressing scenes, leading to vicarious trauma or emotional fatigue. ??: Burnout: The demands of the job, can result in chronic stress and burnout. 2. Coping with Grief and Loss ??: Personal Impact: Repeated exposure to death and tragedy can provoke feelings of sadness, grief, and hopelessness. ??: Impact on Relationships: Emotional strain can spill over into personal lives, affecting relationships and family. 3. Mental Health of Individuals Involved ??: Suicides and Mental Illness: Many cases involve individuals with known mental health issues, which complicates the investigation and requires sensitivity and understanding. ??: Family Dynamics: Investigators may encounter families dealing with complex grief, which can be challenging to navigate. 4. Workplace Environment ??: Lack of Support: Many MEs and investigators work in environments that may not prioritize mental health. ??: Peer Support: The stigma around mental health can prevent professionals from seeking help or discussing their challenges with colleagues. 5. Training and Resources ??: Need for Mental Health Training: There is often a lack of training on mental health issues for those in medicolegal roles. ??: Mental Health Resources: Availability of counseling and mental health support can vary. 6. Impact on Decision-Making ??: Cognitive Fatigue: Mental health issues can impair focus and decision-making. ??: Quality of Investigations: Emotional strain and fatigue may lead to oversights. 7. Long-term Consequences ??: Chronic Mental Health Issues: Prolonged exposure to stressful situations can lead to lasting mental health conditions, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. ??: Job Retention and Recruitment: High rates of burnout and mental health issues can affect retention rates and make it challenging to recruit new professionals. Resources: National Association of Medical Examiners American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention RTI International

Come join us and Georgia Overdose Prevention at Refuge Coffee Co.?. on Wednesday, October 9 at 7:00 pm for a vital community workshop focused on combating the opioid crisis and equipping individuals with life-saving skills. This event will offer essential information about opioid overdoses and training on how to use naloxone, a medication that can reverse these life-threatening situations. This event is a part of DeKalb County Medical Examiner's prevention initiative designed to be informative and practical, giving community members the tools and knowledge they need to make a difference in emergency situations related to opioid overdoses.

Our team is expanding as we welcome two talented new members aboard. With their unique skills, fresh perspectives, and eagerness to contribute, we're confident they'll make invaluable additions to our collective mission. Mariah Smith, MS, PA(ASCP), MLS is a certified Pathologists’ Assistant here at DCMEO.?From a young age she had a passion for human anatomy and disease. Growing up, Mariah had the opportunity to observe numerous autopsies and fell in love with the art and intricacy of performing them, and also the ability to be their voice when they no longer had the ability to speak for themselves. She completed her bachelors degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences at Saginaw Valley State University in 2021, whereafter she worked as a MLS at a private laboratory in Saginaw Michigan. A year later she was accepted into Wayne State’s?Masters of Pathologists’ Assistant Program, having graduated in May of 2024. Mariah received training in both surgical and forensic pathology, rotating through various clinical sites across the country and throughout Michigan. Mariah hopes to continue expanding her knowledge and inspire and educate others about forensic pathology.?Outside of work she loves weightlifting, reading murder mystery books, traveling, and getting lots of snuggles from her rescue pitty, Mr. Kane.? Leslie Ayala-Garcia is a dedicated and highly skilled Legal Administrative Assistant at Forensic Medicine Associates, Inc. With a background that spans over 10 years in the field of dentistry. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Leslie served as a qualified health and court Interpreter. Leslie plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and collaboration between District Attorneys, Public Defenders, and Forensic Pathologist, ensuring that legal proceedings are handled smoothly and efficiently. Leslie is also a licensed Realtor. Leslie is a proud Georgia native, from Brookhaven. When she’s not working, Leslie enjoys travel and culinary exploration, often seeking out new destinations and flavors to enjoy. She treasures every moment spent with her wife, two daughters, and their Lhasa Apso, Ta-Kito.

The students here are cataloging our retained bone collection for our unidentified cases. ?? Pictured are September's medical students, Trevor Rose (left) and Philipa Wang (right), along with our Fall Forensic Anthropology intern, Erin Franchini. This process requires careful consideration and a thorough grasp of skeletal anatomy. We are grateful to our students for keeping us organized! Forensic Medicine Associates, Inc.

September 29 is World Heart Day ?? Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels. CVD is the leading cause of death, globally. ??? Risk Factors for CVD: ??: High blood pressure ??: High blood cholesterol ??: Tobacco & drug use ??: Excessive Alcohol Use ??: Diabetes ??: Obesity ??: Unhealthy diet ??: Physical inactivity Symptoms of CVD: ??: Chest pain ??: Back or neck pain ??: Shortness of breath ??: Heartburn ??: Nausea or vomiting ??: Fatigue or confusion ??: Dizziness or lack of coordination ??: Heart palpitations ??: Swelling ??: Numbness in face, arm, or leg ??: Headache For More Information, Visit: American Heart Association heart.org Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://lnkd.in/eZj3hk-C World Heart Federation world-heart-federation.org World Health Organization https://lnkd.in/eUT-VnUm #WorldHeartDay #September #CardiovascularDiseade #CVD #WeAreME

Monday's Case Brief Answer ?? Case Brief: A 54-year-old female presents to the ER complaining of fatigue, cramps, nausea, and vomiting for several days. She has a BMI of 21 kg/m^2. Since losing her job, her diet has been poor and she drinks 5-6 beers per night. On admission, the doctor orders labs and finds her sodium to be 128 mEq/L (Normal: 135-145) and her blood pressure to be 85/60. They begin to give her lots of IV fluids. She feels better initially, but then has a seizure within 24 hours later and passes shortly after. What is the likely cause of her seizure? ?? C. Osmotic demyelination syndrome AKA: Central pontine myelinolysis The brain adjusts to having low levels of sodium by using osmosis and diffusion to move water and ions into and out of cells to limit brain swelling. Once the body has adjusted to having low sodium, the brain can’t rapidly adjust to a rise in sodium leading to death of brain tissue and demyelination of white matter. For reasons that are not well understood, the central portion of the pons often are affected first. The myelin is compromised, leading to symptoms such as: ?: Seizures ?: Acute encephalopathy ?: Paralysis ?: Dysphagia ?: Coma PREVENTION TIPS: ?? ??: Be aware that rapid changes in sodium or other electrolytes can be life threating ??: Be cautious with binge drinking water or any other fluids ??: Sodium levels should be corrected slowly by a doctor with close monitoring. Do NOT exceed an increase of sodium greater than 8-12 mEq/L/day What would you consider to be the manner of death? ?? #CaseBrief #WeAreME #MedicalStudentMonday #MedicalExaminer #pcomga