Beyond Death

Athanasia Vargiamidou on Serving the Deceased with Compassion and Precision

In this episode of Beyond Death, hosts Mark and Lindsay talk with Dr. Athanasia "Nancy" Vargiamidou, consultant histopathologist, about her lifelong dedication to pathology and post-mortem medicine. Nancy shares her journey from medical student to specialist in autopsy services, reflecting on the critical balance between scientific rigor and empathetic care when uncovering causes of death.
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Athanasia Vargiamidou Biography
I graduated with a medical degree from King’s College London in 2009, having previously obtained a Bachelor of Science in Experimental Pathology from Queen Mary University of London in 2005. My specialty training in histopathology commenced at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and was completed at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London. In 2017, I obtained the Certificate of Higher Autopsy Training and hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic Medical Sciences awarded by the Academy of Forensic Medical Sciences, as well as a Leadership and Management qualification in the Medical Field from Keele University.
Since 2017, I have been practicing as a Consultant Histopathologist specialising in breast pathology, urological pathology, and autopsy pathology. From 2017 to 2023, I was employed at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where I served as the Clinical Lead for the Mortuary and the Designated Individual for the Human Tissue Authority (post-mortem sector).
In 2023, I joined University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as a Consultant Histopathologist. I currently hold the roles of Clinical Governance Lead for Cellular Pathology, Deputy Designated Individual for the Human Tissue Authority (post-mortem sector), and Deputy Clinical Safety Lead for Digital Pathology.
I have conducted autopsies throughout my training and continue to do so in my consultant roles. I am presently engaged as an autopsy pathologist for Anubix, the Inner West London Coroner, and the North London Coroner.

JUNE JOURNAL CLUB – Enhancing Postmortem Head Imaging - The Synergy of PMCT and PMMR

This month, we present the following article:
A study of the added value of combining PMCT and PMMR of the head.Forensic Imaging. 2024; 33: 200022. doi: 10.1016/j.fri.2024.200022Ingrid I.H. Haest a
This retrospective study evaluates the impact of combining postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR) of the head in forensic investigations. The findings suggest that integrating PMMR with PMCT enhances lesion detection, particularly in soft tissue structures, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy in determining causes of death.
 
NB. Each episode is AI-generated using Google Notebook LM. The article(s) and sources are chosen by Drs. Susan Shelmerdine & Natasha Davendralingam based on quality of research, audience interest, and importance of the topic.

Danielle Sharp on Learning from Domestic Abuse-Related Deaths

In this episode of Beyond Death, hosts Mark and Lindsay speak with Danielle Sharp, founder of the Centre for Safer Society, about her groundbreaking work leading domestic abuse-related death reviews. Danielle shares how these reviews uncover vital lessons from tragic cases, the evolving scope beyond homicides to include suicides and unexplained deaths, and the emotional toll on professionals involved in the process.
 
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Danielle has over 15 years’ experience in preventing and responding to violence, abuse, and harm. She has held senior roles in local authorities as a strategic lead and commissioner, managing multi-million-pound budgets for domestic abuse services. Nationally, she led the Knowledge Hub at one of the UK’s largest domestic abuse charities, overseeing an expert team and several national programmes including the Leading Lights service accreditation and the Home Office funded One Front Door pilot.
 
She has worked extensively to improve responses to sexual exploitation and abuse including through her previous role as an Associate for Safe and Sound, in which she trained thousands of professionals and led participatory research with young people to review a children’s social care strategy process for a City council. She is currently the Founder and Director of Centre for Safer Society, through which she undertakes research, strategy and scrutiny projects, including statutory Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews. 
 
She has a BSc in Psychology from the University of West London and has been appointed as a Practitioner in Residence within the School of Policy & Global Affairs at London City St Georges University where she will work to bridge the gap between academia and policy to create change. 

MAY JOURNAL CLUB - The evolution of postmortem investigation

This month, we present the following article:
Solomon N, Gascho D, Adolphi NL, Filograna L, Sanchez H, Gill JR, Elifritz J. The evolution of postmortem investigation: a historical perspective on autopsy’s decline and imaging’s role in its revival. Frontiers in Radiology. 2025;5:1565012. doi: 10.3389/fradi.2025.1565012.
This episode delves into the decline of traditional autopsy and the growing role of postmortem imaging (PMI) in forensic medicine. The authors trace the history of death investigation, highlight the diagnostic value of imaging tools like PMCT, and argue for integrated approaches to improve public health, preserve clinical accuracy, and support the overstretched forensic pathology workforce.
NB. Each episode is AI-generated using Google Notebook LM. The article(s) and sources are chosen by Drs. Susan Shelmerdine & Natasha Davendralingam based on quality of research, audience interest, and importance of the topic.

ANNIVERSARY EPISODE! Falsehoods and Misconceptions in the Death Industry

To mark 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 🎂 of the #BeyondDeath podcast, we’re celebrating with a special compilation episode: 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐬 & 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲.
 
Every guest this year has answered the same final question:
👉 “𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛, 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧?” 👈
Their answers have been thought-provoking, surprising, and sometimes funny — offering a window into the misunderstood world of death investigation, care, and law.
Join us in celebrating a year of truth-telling, myth-busting, and elevating voices in the death care field.
 
Thank you to our hosts: David Annan Asanda K Lindsay Batty-Smith Dr Mark Viner and to the guests featuring in this special episode Dr Mark Viner Lindsay Batty-Smith Imogen Jones @Richard Byers J. Ciaran Hutchinson @Padma Rao Jelena Bekvalac Angie McLachlan MA, BA Hons, MBIE, Dip MoD @Alison Mutch Keiran Kelly Charlotte John Poppy Mardall Kerry Daynes @Rachel Duncan Natasha Davendralingam Julie Bramble FHEA MSc Amy-Lee Brookes Fabrice DEDOUIT

Natasha Davendralingam on Mastering Post-Mortem Imaging

In this episode of Beyond Death, Prof Susie Shelmerdine speaks with Dr. Natasha Davendralingham about the path to specialising in post-mortem imaging. Natasha shares her journey from medical student to expert radiologist, the challenges of training in this niche field, and the importance of hands-on experience. She also discusses the growing demand for post-mortem imaging, the need for structured education, and why this work is vital for both forensic investigations and bereaved families seeking answers.

APRIL JOURNAL CLUB - Post-Mortem Imaging Biobanks: Building Data for Reproducibility, Standardization and AI Integration

This month, we present the following article:
De-Giorgio F, Benedetti B, Mancino M, Sala E, Pascali VL. Post-Mortem Imaging Biobanks: Building Data for Reproducibility, Standardization, and AI Integration.European Journal of Radiology. 2025;185:112011. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2025.112011.
 
The discussion explores the role of post-mortem imaging biobanks in forensic and clinical research, emphasising their potential for standardising imaging protocols, supporting AI-driven analysis, and improving the reproducibility of forensic investigations. The article highlights key challenges, including ethical considerations, data storage limitations, and the need for global collaboration in developing accessible and secure imaging databases.
 
NB. Each episode is AI-generated using Google Notebook LM. The article(s) and sources are chosen by Drs. Susan Shelmerdine & Natasha Davendralingam based on quality of research, audience interest, and importance of the topic.

Susie Shelmerdine discusses AI in Postmortem Imaging

In this episode of Beyond Death, Dr. Natasha Davendralingham sits down with Professor Susie Shelmerdine, academic radiologist, AI thought leader, and co-founder of Anubix. Susie shares her journey into post-mortem imaging, how a personal experience shaped her career, and the creation of the world’s first post-mortem imaging education platform. She also discusses the evolving role of AI in death care, the misconceptions around post-mortem imaging, and why open conversations about death are so important.

Natasha Davendralingam on Entrepreneurship & Impact

In this episode of Beyond Death, Dr. Susie Shelmerdine sits down with Dr. Natasha Davendralingham, co-founder of Anubix and post-mortem radiologist, to discuss the journey of building a pioneering post-mortem imaging service.
Natasha shares her path from medicine to entrepreneurship, the challenges of launching a business in the death care sector, and the passion that drives her work. She also opens up about the misconceptions surrounding private-sector innovation in forensic imaging and the importance of supporting bereaved families through expert-led care.

MARCH JOURNAL CLUB - Post-Mortem Imaging to Investigate the Causes of Stillbirth in Australia: Views of Parents, Midwives and Obstetricians.

This month, we present the following article:
Loughnan SA, Wojcieszek AM, Singline L, et al. Post-Mortem Imaging to Investigate the Causes of Stillbirth in Australia: Views of Parents, Midwives and Obstetricians.
Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology. 2025;0:1–10. doi: 10.1111/1754-9485.13828.
 
The discussion explores the role of post-mortem imaging (PMI) in stillbirth investigations, examining the perspectives of parents, midwives, and obstetricians. Findings reveal that PMI is underutilised, with many healthcare providers unsure of its value compared to traditional autopsy. The study highlights the need for increased education and awareness to improve uptake and integration of PMI in perinatal death investigations.
 
NB. Each episode is AI-generated using Google Notebook LM. The article(s) and sources are chosen by Drs. Susan Shelmerdine & Natasha Davendralingam based on quality of research, audience interest, and importance of the topic.
 
NB. Each episode is AI -generated using Google Notebook LM. The article(s) and sources are chosen by Drs. Susan Shelmerdine & Natasha Davendralingam based on quality of research, audience interest and importance of topic matter.