CAMP LESTER, OKINAWA, Japan --
Every piece of a puzzle has a specific spot where it fits correctly. Each piece contributes to the puzzle to make the picture whole. Sometimes the puzzle is missing a piece or two and requires someone with a keen eye to find the missing pieces and complete the picture. The same could be said for medical examiners. Their job is to find the unknown and determine the cause and manner of death of the deceased.
Cmdr. Edward A. Reedy, staff pathologist and director of clinical support services at U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, is one of two armed forces medical examiners outside of the United States, whose jurisdiction encompasses the Western Pacific including Hawaii, Republic of Korea, Japan and the Republic of the Philippines.
The mission of the Armed Forces Medical Examiners System is to provide comprehensive services in forensic pathology, forensic toxicology, DNA technology and identification and mortality surveillance for the Department of Defense.
A case begins when a medical examiner is notified by investigative services, said Reedy.
“If the body is still at the scene, I will travel to the scene,” Reedy said. “You learn a lot of information from being at the scene versus what you would acquire through a report. Once the scene is cleared, the deceased will be transported to the USNH,” said Reedy.
When the body arrives at the hospital, an autopsy will begin, which includes an external exam, internal exam and lab test, according to Reedy.
“Every case gets the full treatment,” he said. “There are no partial autopsies. You only get one shot to examine the body because once the body is gone, it’s gone.”
Cases sometimes go to trial, said Reedy.
“You want to be able to provide the most information available and the most accurate results, so the case is tried properly.”
At the conclusion of an autopsy, an eight to 10-page autopsy report is written, said Reedy. A death certificate is drawn, and the remains are released to the family.
“Medical investigations are nothing like they are portrayed on television,” said Reedy. “The case is not answered in an hour, and there is a lot more digging for the answers. Even after the patient’s remains have been released, it may be a month or so more before all the test results come back.”
Medical examiners are charged with a lot of responsibilities, according to Reedy. Sensitivity and compassion are a must; but, one still has to aggressively pursue the facts, he added.
Reedy brings together the expertise and personality to get the job done.
“Cmdr. Reedy is one of the most dedicated medical examiners that I have ever had the privilege of working with,” said Robert A. Glassheim, director of the regional Air Force mortuary in Okinawa. “His attention to detail and compassion towards the family are phenomenal. Reedy is always willing to teach and further one’s knowledge in the expertise of forensic medicine.”
“The most difficult part is trying to explain to a family member why their loved one died,” said Reedy. “The important thing is being able to provide them with the truth.”
In the United States, there are approximately 800 board-certified forensic pathologists, though not all are practicing, according to Reedy.
Reedy said, as a medical examiner he looks into every aspect of his patients’ lives.
“A good doctor will know their patient inside and out, and I literally do,” concluded Reedy.