In strict terms, pathology is the study of disease and forensics in the application of science to the law. Dr. Barry’s work keeps her very busy: performing autopsies, interpreting lab results, looking at tissue under the microscope, dictating cases, filling out death certificates, traveling around the state to testify as an expert witness in court; and teaching medical students, fellows, and residents about pathology. Her office performs approximately eight to 12 autopsies and examinations each day, and Dr. Barry works around 60 hours a week in addition to some weekend and overnight coverage.

Forensic pathology was an appealing medical career to Dr. Barry, because “it combines mystery, science, and the practice of medicine. You have the opportunity to see the disease process or injury and piece it together with information from the scene.” She finds all her patient cases interesting, “Every human being is different, and each patient has a story to tell. My examinations help to answer questions for law enforcement, the public, and families. In a time of grieving and pain, it is my hope that these answers will, on a small level, ease some of the pain for the families, while providing evidence to keep perpetrators behind bars.”

One of Dr. Barry’s most interesting work experiences occurred during an autopsy. When She entered the autopsy suite, she was overwhelmed by a strong, bitter odor no one else in the room was able to detect. She then discovered the smell coming from the body was cyanide, a chemical that can be poisonous. That was the moment Dr. Barry found out her nose can be an important tool to solving cases.

While each patient case is unique, Dr. Barry’s work day usually follows a set routine. It begins with morning report, where the cases for the day are individually presented by a scene investigator—someone who is not a doctor, but is trained to be the pathologists’ “eyes and ears” at the scene and reports the details. Tests such as toxicology and x-rays are then ordered as needed, paperwork is filled out, and cases are assigned to pathologists for performing autopsies. In the afternoon, another meeting is held where the cases are re-presented with autopsy findings, and this information is communicated to the scene investigator team. If not testifying in court, Dr. Barry then usually spends the rest of the day in her office reviewing patient charts, medical records, and scene investigation reports. She dictates her patient reports and spends a large amount of time talking on the phone with other doctors, lawyers, and families of the deceased.

What Dr. Barry likes the most about her job is “being able to be an advocate for the deceased to the family and loved ones, and informing the public.” She enjoys teaching and learning on a daily basis, and “exploring the mysteries of science, medicine, and the law.” Her job is intellectually challenging, and “Every day and every case is different.” The downside of being a forensic pathologist is the long hours and extensive amount medical training involved: nine years after graduating from college with a bachelor’s degree. Dr. Barry completed four years of medical school at the Oregon Health Sciences University, a four-year residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and a one-year fellowship in forensic pathology at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Office of the Medical Investigator.

Although Dr. Barry finds CSI to be an entertaining television show, she notes that her job as a forensic pathologist differs from it quite a bit. “People have a perception that all I do is perform autopsies on victims of homicide. While I do help determine the cause and manner of death and perform autopsies on violent deaths, I also examine a variety of cases, including cases of public health.” She clarifies that: “We collect the evidence that is on the body, but this is typically done in the autopsy suite where our medical equipment is located, not out in the field or at a crime scene.” And unlike television, “We are always covered head-to-toe with protective bio-safety gowns and masks when we do autopsies and examinations.” And while she works closely with law enforcement, “We ourselves are not law enforcement, and I do not carry a gun.” She also notes some other significant difference from television: “I wear a lot less makeup,” and “We turn the lights on to examine our patients.”

Tamara Barry has a master’s degree in English and has been working in communications and public affairs for almost 10 years. When not writing or taking photographs, she enjoys traveling with her sister, Dr. Michelle Barry.