Beyond Death

Amy-Lee Brookes on the Future of Post-Mortem Imaging

In this episode of Beyond Death, hosts Mark and Lindsay speak with Amy-Lee Brookes, a dedicated radiographer specialising in forensic and post-mortem imaging. Amy discusses her transition from student radiographer to post-mortem CT lead and the challenges she faced building expertise in this niche field. She explores the future of forensic radiography, the importance of specialised training, and her passion for educating and inspiring the next generation of radiographers.
Amy also reflects on the role of digital transformation in forensic imaging and how technology is shaping the future of post-mortem investigations. This episode offers a thought-provoking discussion on the growing field of forensic radiography and its critical role in modern forensic science.

Dr Fabrice Dedouit discusses the Evolution of Post-Mortem Radiology

In this episode of Beyond Death, hosts Mark and Lindsay interview Dr. Fabrice Dedouit, a pioneering forensic radiologist and pathologist from the University of Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Dedouit shares his journey in establishing forensic imaging in France and the evolution of post-mortem CT and MRI techniques. He discusses the challenges and breakthroughs in applying imaging technology to forensic cases, from terrorist attacks to historical and anthropological investigations. Dr. Dedouit also delves into the emotional complexities of forensic work and the importance of resilience and collaboration. This episode provides an in-depth look into the transformative role of imaging in forensic pathology and its impact on modern forensic investigations.
Join us for an enlightening conversation that highlights the complexities and rewards of working in forensic imaging. Don't forget to follow and rate our channel, and stay tuned for more intriguing discussions that go beyond death.

Dr Ciaran Hutchinson on Advancing Paediatric Pathology

In this episode of Beyond Death, David returns and interviews Dr. Ciaran Hutchinson, a consultant paediatric and perinatal pathologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London. With a PhD in minimally invasive autopsy, Dr. Hutchinson shares his unique experiences and insights into paediatric postmortem imaging and how this approach is reshaping parental consent and clinical practice. He discusses his research on micro-CT, minimally invasive autopsy techniques, and the role of pathology in providing closure and understanding for families experiencing loss. Dr. Hutchinson also reflects on the balance between clinical practice, academia, and innovation in paediatric pathology. This episode offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of paediatric postmortem investigations and how new imaging techniques are transforming patient care and family experiences.
 

Dr Padma Rao discusses Paediatric Postmortem Imaging - The Aussie Way!

In this episode, Dr. Susie Shelmerdine takes over the mic to interview a very special guest - Dr. Padma Rao, a fellow children's imaging expert (paediatric radiologist) from The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.  Dr. Rao is the Medical Director at her institute, but also assists with reporting paediatric postmortem radiology with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM). She discusses how children's postmortem imaging is performed in Australia, when it is indicated, who pays for it and what sort of cases she sees commonly in her practice. She also gives some tips and suggestions for places to go for courses and education.
 

OCTOBER JOURNAL CLUB - Impact of changing from autopsy to post-mortem CT in an entire HM Coroner region

As a first for our channel we are starting a monthly journal club to highlight cutting edge research work in the post-mortem / death investigation space, with a focus on imaging.
 
In this episode we present the article:
Beardmore S, Adeley J, Brookes A, Robinson C, Davendralingam N, Joseph J, McManoman B, Morgan B.
Impact of changing from autopsy to post-mortem CT in an entire HM Coroner region due to a shortage of available pathologists.
Clin Radiol. 2023 Nov;78(11):797-803. doi: 10.1016/j.crad.2023.08.001. Epub 2023 Oct 5.
 
This work won an editor's prize from the journal Clinical Radiology - the journal of the Royal College of Radiologists and demonstrates how post-mortem imaging is changing normal practice in the UK.
 
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.

Dr Imogen Jones on Death Investigations and the Law

In this episode, David speaks with Dr. Imogen Jones, an Associate Professor of Law from the University of Leeds, specialising in criminal law and medico-legal death investigations. Dr. Jones sheds light on the gaps between public perception and the reality of autopsies and medical death investigations, while also discussing the emotional labour involved in after-death care.
 
Her research into the hidden roles within the mortuary and her insights on digital transformation provide a fascinating look into how law, medicine, and technology converge.
 
If you’re curious about the legalities and ethical dimensions of death investigations, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Charlotte John on Death Care & Digital Change

Join us in this episode as David sits down with Charlotte John, an experienced healthcare professional with a fascinating journey from midwifery to Mortuary management and national audits with the Home Office. Charlotte shares her unique insights on working with end-of-life care, navigating grief, and the importance of after-death care. Her thoughts on digital transformation in the death space bring a fresh perspective on how we can improve healthcare for both the living and the deceased.
 
Don’t miss this captivating conversation about the vital, often hidden, work behind death care and how technology is shaping its future.

Angie McLachlan on The Ichabodies - Death Dummies

In this episode, David is joined by Angie McLachlan, the visionary behind the Ichabodies Death Dummies, a unique and creative approach to death education. Angie discusses her journey from working as an embalmer to becoming an educator, using highly realistic training dummies to help professionals better understand the complexities of body care and postmortem imaging.
 
Whether you’re a funeral director, death midwife, or someone interested in the deeper aspects of death care, Angie’s insights offer a rare glimpse into the hands-on training that prepares people for the emotional and physical realities of death. From handling complex conditions to navigating grief, her Ichabodies Death Dummies provide invaluable experience in this sensitive field.
 
Tune in to learn more about the intersection of art, science, and education in death care, and how Angie’s work is changing the way professionals engage with the end-of-life process.

Keiran Kelly discusses Setting up a PMCT Service

On their first time hosting on this channel, Lindsay and Mark talk to Keiran Kelly.
Keiran is currently the Post Mortem CT lead radiographer at the East London Forensic Centre where he has helped set up and run the service in a permanent, local authority managed facility.
Previously he has been employed as the paediatric lead radiographer at the Royal London hospital and as a senior radiographer at St Georges hospital, where he would undertake, lead and teach other radiographers on skeletal survey examinations for suspected physical abuse in children. He started his MSc in Forensic radiography at Teesside university whilst a radiographer at St Georges and has recently just graduated. Keiran also sits on the committee for the UK branch of the international association of forensic radiographers as well as offering his services in forensic radiography to Kenyon international emergency services when needed as one of their team members. His interests are Post Mortem CT, SPA, DVI as well as governance and audit.
Whether you’re curious about the future of forensic radiography or the day-to-day life of a radiographer in a mortuary, this episode provides an insightful look into an emerging field.

HMC Miss Mutch OBE on the role of a Coroner

In this episode, David and Asanda talk to HMC Miss Mutch OBE about the role of a senior coroner.
HMC Miss Mutch OBE is the senior coroner for the Greater Manchester South jurisdiction. In this podcast she explains to us what is the role of the coroner, what questions does the coroner need to satisfy regarding the death of an individual, what role does postmortem imaging play in this process and also what goes on during a coroner's inquest.