Introduction

Just Lending a Hand During Autopsy Exams

Just Lending a Hand During Autopsy Exams

Original Release Date: March 3, 2023

In episode two of our Supporting Medicolegal Death Investigators mini season, Just Science sat down with Lindsey McNaughton, founder of the National Association of Forensic Autopsy Technicians, to discuss the importance of forensic autopsy technicians, and her efforts to create more resources for this community.  

When someone dies unexpectedly or of unnatural causes, performing a full autopsy examination can be an extensive process that requires many steps and close attention to detail. To make sure autopsy examinations go as smoothly as possible, forensic pathologists are assisted by forensic autopsy technicians, who complete tasks ranging from photographing remains, prepping tools, and much more. Listen along as Lindsey describes the many unexpected roles of an autopsy technician, the training required for the position, and why she created the National Association of Forensic Autopsy Technicians.

This episode of Just Science is funded by the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence (Award #: 15PNIJ-21-GK-02192-MUMU).

Some content in this podcast may be considered sensitive and may evoke emotional responses, or may not be appropriate for younger audiences. 

Listen to or download the episode here:

View or download the episode transcript here:
Transcript


Episode Citation

Keyes, K., & McNaughton, L. (2023, March 3). Just Science. Just Lending a Hand During Autopsy Exams. [Audio podcast episode]. The Forensic Technology Center of Excellence. https://forensiccoe.org/podcast-2023-supporting-mdis-ep2/



Guest Biography

Lindsey McNaughton is a Forensic Autopsy Technician with the City & County of Denver in Colorado where she coordinates the autopsy internship to educate and train future professionals in the field. She began her career as a mass fatality preparedness volunteer with the Denver COHEART Program in 2013. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Biology/Chemistry, and she is completing her M.S. in Entomology. She is Denver PEAK Academy Black Belt certified which is a government equivalent of Sigma Six Lean Training for continuous improvement. In September 2020, she established the National Association of Forensic Autopsy Technicians to ignite her passion for collaboration, innovation, and process improvement among her fellow peers. 


The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this podcast episode are those of the presenter(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Contact us at ForensicCOE@rti.org with any questions and subscribe to our newsletter for notifications.


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