"When you take away the skin, we are all the same. Everyone deserves respect in life—and in death."
In this riveting episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey welcomes Dr. Joye Carter, the first Black female chief medical examiner in the United States, for a powerful and eye-opening conversation. Dr. Carter shares the extraordinary journey that led her to forensic pathology—from a childhood medical crisis to a chance encounter with a post-mortem exam at age 14. Listeners are treated to an unfiltered look at the realities of death investigation, racial and gender biases in med...
"When you take away the skin, we are all the same. Everyone deserves respect in life—and in death."
In this riveting episode of Life. Reimagined., host Stacey welcomes Dr. Joye Carter, the first Black female chief medical examiner in the United States, for a powerful and eye-opening conversation. Dr. Carter shares the extraordinary journey that led her to forensic pathology—from a childhood medical crisis to a chance encounter with a post-mortem exam at age 14. Listeners are treated to an unfiltered look at the realities of death investigation, racial and gender biases in medicine, and the sacred responsibility of speaking for the dead. Dr. Carter also reveals the systemic flaws within the coroner system, the battle against the pseudoscience of "excited delirium," and her ongoing mission to mentor the next generation of forensic pathologists. Now retired, Dr. Carter continues to influence the world through advocacy, mentoring, and yes—her garden and her beloved dogs. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about justice, equity, and the truth behind the headlines.
What You’ll Learn:
- How a childhood illness sparked Dr. Carter's medical aspirations
- The systemic differences between coroners and medical examiners
Why cause of death is foundational to justice
- The truth about racial and gender disparities in autopsy practices
- How flawed forensic practices have led to wrongful imprisonments
- The controversy behind "excited delirium" and its racial implications
- The power of mentorship and why representation in medicine matters
Dr. Joye M. Carter is a pioneer in forensic pathology, becoming the first Black female to serve as a chief medical examiner in the United States. Over a career spanning more than four decades and 25,000 autopsies, she has served in top forensic roles with the Armed Forces, Washington D.C., Houston, and Indianapolis. She is the author of I Speak for the Dead, and an outspoken advocate for dignity in death, equity in medicine, and justice for marginalized communities. Even in retirement, Dr. Carter mentors aspiring pathologists and continues to speak out on national issues related to death investigation.
Connect with Dr. Joye Carter:
- LinkedIn
-
Twitter (X) - @joyejoy32
- Instagram - @docdocjo
- Book: I Speak for the Dead (Available on Amazon)
Resources & Links:
- The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
- Information on forensic pathology careers: College of American Pathologists
- National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME)
If you found this episode as compelling as we did, please subscribe to Life. Reimagined., leave us a 5-star review, and share this episode with friends or anyone curious about justice, medicine, or forensic science. Follow the podcast for more bold conversations that challenge convention and inspire change.
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