National Association of Medical Examiners 2016 Annual Meeting
Sept. 7–13, 2016
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Minnesota

CHALLENGES In spite of what prime-time television would have you believe, the world of forensic pathology is a relatively small one — which can mean slim pickings for academic sessions. “One difficulty we have is that there is a shortage of forensic pathologists, meaning many of us are too busy to do much research and submit abstracts for consideration,” said Sally S. Aiken, M.D., medical examiner for Spokane County, Washington, and one of the meeting’s organizers. How does NAME get around this problem? “We survey members and pay close attention to their educational needs,” Aiken said. “Several of the upcoming program topics are based on member suggestions.”

INITIATIVES In addition to longstanding traditions like the Cadaver Open golf tournament and the perennially popular “Ask the Chiefs” breakfast, where senior members of the association answer audience questions, NAME is hosting a public fund-raiser for its NAME Foundation, which provides scholarships for students and fellows of forensic pathology. And Dr. Jan Garavaglia, former chief medical examiner for Florida’s Orange and Osceola counties — who is better known as “Dr. G” thanks to her popular Discovery Health Channel show, “Dr. G: Medical Examiner” — will speak to the public about the challenges and rewards of her chosen profession.