Division of Forensic Pathology

Related Pages: Private Autopsy and Consultation Services, Autopsy Service

About Us

As physicians who specialize in the application of medical principles to the investigation of sudden, unexpected, and violent deaths, the forensic pathologist attempts to determine the cause of death, manner of death (natural, accident, suicide, or homicide), identification of the deceased, the time since death, and, if the death was by injury, the nature of the instrument used to cause the death.

First, the forensic pathologist gathers a history as to how the death occurred and often obtains the past medical history of the deceased as well. Next, the forensic pathologist examines the body externally and then internally, taking biopsies of tissues to further examine under the microscope for disease not visible to the naked eye. This postmortem examination is known as an autopsy.

During the course of the autopsy, various laboratory tests may be performed at the discretion of the pathologist, including x-rays and retention of body fluids such as blood and urine for toxicologic analysis.

When all of the information including the history, the results of the autopsy and the laboratory tests is obtained, the forensic pathologist synthesizes such information and formulates conclusions regarding the cause and manner of death. A report is then prepared summarizing these findings.

The forensic pathologist can expect to be subpoenaed to testify before courts and other legal venues about the pathologic findings and conclusions. Coroners and forensic pathologists may provide copies of their
official reports to parties such as insurers or public agencies who having a legitimate interest in the cause and manner of death of citizens.

The staff pathologists of the Division of Forensic Pathology are board-certified forensic pathologists actively engaged in the application of scientific principles to death investigation, performing autopsies and other consultations for the coroners of 58 counties in Central and Eastern Kentucky. They are also available as consultants to other death investigators, law enforcement officials, attorneys, families, organ procurement offices, and other agencies as needed.

Staff Pathologists

Gregory J. Davis, MD, FCAP
Professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Director, Division of Forensic Pathology
Diplomate, American Board of Pathology, Anatomic, Clinical, and Forensic Pathology
Special interests: pathology of drug abuse, pathology of firearms, use and ethics of the autopsy

John C. Hunsaker, III, MD, JD, FCAP
Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Diplomate, American Board of Pathology, Anatomic, Clinical, and Forensic Pathology
Special interests: drug-related deaths, postmortem biochemistry, neuropathology of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Cristin M.Rolf, MD, FCAP
Assistant Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Diplomate, American Board of Pathology, Anatomic, Clinical, and Forensic Pathology
Special interests: pediatric forensic pathology