Dr. G behind the scenes.
DCL
In a special live chat during the premiere of Season 6 of Dr. G: Medical Examiner, Dr. Jan Garavaglia answered some of your most burning questions. Below are some of the best questions and responses. Get to know your favorite medical examiner even better!
Q: Are there certain elements of your job that you find you take home with you?
A: Yes, cases that I can't figure out, I will think about them constantly, even at home. I do a lot of my research at home too!
Q: What's the strangest case you've ever had?
A: There's not one that sticks out that is stranger than the other. There are different aspects of cases that make them strange.
Q: What inspired you to work in forensic science?
A: I didn't decide to work in forensic science until after I was in medical school. There was a well-known forensic pathologist that worked in the school, and he inspired me.
Q: How long does it take to complete an autopsy?
A: It's very variable. A simple case can take as short as an hour to finish, plus the paperwork on top of that. Some cases, however, have taken me two days. These cases literally take me two eight-hour days of work.
Q: You've been a medical examiner for so many years; is there anything that makes you squeamish?
A: I don't like live animals crawling out of dead bodies. There are very few things that make me squeamish, but definitely if a spider or a rodent crawls out of a dead body!
Q: What are the most important personality traits for someone considering your line of work?
A: It's important to have an inquisitive mind and attention to detail.
Q: How has your job affected your view on life?
A: It's made me appreciate that I'm alive. Life is short, and you have to appreciate what you have while you're alive.
