Forensic & Medical Autopsy Pathology

Overview

The Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) investigates any death occurring in the State of New Mexico that is sudden, violent, untimely, unexpected, or when a person is found dead and the cause of death is unknown. The OMI provides consultation services for the Navajo Nation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, area pueblos, Veterans Administration Medical Center and other agencies. The OMI manages the University of New Mexico Hospital Autopsy Service.

Highlights

• Forensic modalities/technology used:
  • In house postmortem CT scanner
  • Digital radiology
• Special Capabilities: Expert consultants in:
  • Forensic Radiology
  • Forensic Epidemiology
  • Neuropathology
  • Forensic Odontology
  • Grief counseling services
• Nationally recognized and accredited forensic pathology training program with four fellows each year
• Faculty teaches medical students, pathology residents, forensic fellows, and others
• Collaborations with the NM Department of Health, UNM Health Sciences Center

List of Board Certified Pathologist on the Service:

Heather Jarrell, MD, Chief Medical Investigator
Lauren Dvorscak, MD, Deputy Chief Medical Investigator
Daniel Gallego, MD
Emily Helmrich, DO
Aidan Kerr, MD
Audra Kerwin, MD

Additional Faculty and Staff:

Heather Edgar, PhD, Forensic Anthropologist
Sarah Lathrop, DVM, PhD, Epidemiologist
Peter Loomis, DDS, Forensic Odontologist 
Anna Medendorp, PhD, Anthropologist