Beyond Death

Mohamed Omer MBE discusses Islamic Perspectives on Death

In this episode, David and Asanda talk to Mohamed Omer OBE about the beliefs, viewpoints and mindset regarding death and postmortem imaging from an Islamic perspective.
Mohamed Omer MBE has numerous roles on a wide range of enterprises. Most notable of these is his role as a board member for external affairs for the Gardens of Peace Muslim Cemetery, based in Hainault Essex. This is the largest dedicated Muslim Cemetery in Europe and has a capacity for > 10,000 graves and burials in accordance with Islamic Shariah. He is also a member of the Burial Cremation Advisory Group at the Ministry of Justice representing the Muslim Community and has been actively involved with community work in East London for the last 15 years.
 
In this episode he talks about the importance of his faith and how this relates to death investigations.

Prof Richard Byers on How a Pathologist Thinks

In this episode, hosts David and Asanda are joined by Professor Richard Byers, a renowned histopathologist and consultant hematopathologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary. Professor Byers shares his impressive journey, from his PhD in molecular biology to his contributions to post-mortem imaging and pathology.
Professor Byers also explores the future of pathology, discussing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics. He envisions AI as a valuable triage tool to streamline workflow and improve diagnostic accuracy, but he believes pathologists will remain essential for complex cases and integrated diagnostic reports.

Jelena Bekvalac on curating Human Remains in Museums

In this episode, David and Asanda talk to Jelena Bekvalac about excavating and curating human remains.
Jelena is has been based at the Museum of London since 2003, and was an original member of the research osteologist team with the establishment of the Wellcome funded Centre for Human Bioarchaeology. She has been involved in countless high profile excavations from across the world, working as a human osteologist to uncover the secrets of ancient civilizations. Jelena is a representative on a number of committees, frequently speaks at archaeological and historical societies and was in 2011 elected to be a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.

Lindsay Batty-Smith on Respecting the Deceased

In this episode David and Asanda talk to Lindsay Batty-Smith, a seasoned radiographer who has had several roles in the NHS and private sector including leadership positions in safeguarding adults, applying national policies, extensive teaching in diagnostic and forensic imaging and advancing the equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) agenda within healthcare. She is currently a public governor for an NHS foundation trust in London and keen on community engagement.

Dr Mark Viner on Forensic Imaging

In this episode, David and Asanda talk to Dr Mark Viner about postmortem and forensic imaging.
Mark is a senior lecturer in radiographic investigation in forensic science, based at Cranfield Forensic Institute and has had a very interesting and varied career. He was a founder board member of both the International Association of Forensic Radiographers (IAFR) and the International Society of Forensic Radiology and Imaging (ISFRI). He has also worked for the United Nations.