Design Like a J.E.D.I.: Finding Purpose in Forensic Pathology—A Career of Passion, Balance, and Inclusion
Dr. Sterling J. McLaren, assistant medical examiner and chief medical officer (CMO) from the City and County of Denver, Department of Public Health & Environment, Office of the Medical Examiner
Forensic pathology isn’t often the first career choice for most doctors-in-training. It certainly wasn’t for one pathologist, who once envisioned her future in emergency medicine. But life has a way of guiding us toward where we truly belong. For this forensic pathologist, the journey took an unexpected turn—one shaped by mentors, the pursuit of work-life balance, and a deeper understanding of what and how, true fulfillment in medicine looks like.
This month, the Crime Lab Design team had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Sterling J. McLaren, assistant medical examiner and chief medical officer (CMO) from the City and County of Denver, Department of Public Health & Environment, Office of the Medical Examiner. Her compelling journey into forensic pathology began at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, then specializing in forensic and autopsy pathology today. This resonated deeply with our team, reminding us of the profound impact this field has—not only on the professionals who dedicate their lives to it but also on those of us who design the spaces they work in.
Having visited over 70+ medical examiner office (MEO) facilities around the globe, each visit remains a unique and profound experience. Recently, we invited one of our colleagues to visit a MEO facility for the first time. We observed decedents in body bags in coolers, on transfer gurneys in the hallway, walking the halls where professionals work tirelessly to bring closure for the families, and witnessing the deep sense of purpose that drives these individuals—it left a lasting impression.
No matter how many times we step into these facilities, the experience never becomes routine. We always walk in as design professionals—focused on designing functional, efficient spaces—but we walk out with heavy hearts and a renewed sense of respect for those who have dedicate their lives to giving a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves.
A career choice that defied expectations
Like many young doctors, the initial plan was to pursue a high-energy medical specialty—perhaps surgery or emergency medicine. But the reality of working those jobs with unpredictable shifts, holidays, and weekends, especially with the dream of having a family, made those paths feel unsustainable. The long hours and lack of work-life balance has left many in the field feeling jaded, especially women, and Dr. McLaren found her way to a field of medicine that was more exhilarating than she could have imagined
Pathology offered something different: the ability to work with one’s hands, the intellectual challenge of medicine, and a more sustainable work-life balance. Forensic pathology wasn’t on the radar at first. But during her residency, something unexpected happened—a rotation at the medical examiner’s office changed everything for her. In the blink of an eye, she found a perfect fit. Her leadership has been instrumental in addressing the public health challenges and enhancing the city’s medical examiner services.
This is a career that blends medicine and investigation, a place where science could tell the truth for those that no longer can speak. More importantly, it was a career filled with passionate people, working together towards the greater good.
The power of mentorship and leadership
Mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Dr. McLaren’s journey. The field, despite its complexities, turned out to be welcoming, inclusive, and filled with incredible professionals—both men and women—who supported one another. My mentors all stood out, not just for their expertise but for their enthusiasm and dedication to the work.
Dr. McLaren has been an instrumental partner in the city’s mentoring program for aspiring forensic professionals. This program is designed to provide hands-on experience and guidance to individuals interested in careers in forensic pathology and related fields. The mentoring program includes comprehensive training, real-world experience, research opportunities, professional development, and community impact training.
That sense of mentorship and belonging continues today. Now as CMO, leadership comes in many forms, and guiding others in the field has become part of her journey. In forensic pathology, leadership isn’t just about titles—it’s about being open to ideas, listening to different perspectives, and making space for future generations of doctors who may not yet realize that their career is about to change.
Workplace culture: fostering inclusion and opportunity
Forensic pathology is a niche field. Unlike some medical specialties, it doesn’t always have people lining up for job openings. That means the field has a responsibility—not just to welcome those who find their way here—but to actively seek out and encourage new talent.
The hiring process is built around fairness, ensuring that financial constraints and benefits don’t prevent qualified candidates from applying. Virtual interviews have made the process more accessible, breaking down barriers for those who might not have the resources to travel for an in-person interview.
But inclusion isn’t just about hiring—it’s about ensuring that those who enter the field feel supported by their peers and staff. The forensic pathologist notes that the office is predominantly female but, the industry still lacks racial diversity. While there is a growing awareness of this gap, real change requires intentional outreach and a commitment to creating opportunities for the underrepresented groups.
Balancing the emotional weight of the work
Forensic pathology is not just a job; it’s a calling. Every day brings new cases that are deeply human, people who lived, loved, and had stories of their own. Some cases are heavier than others, like the death of a child, a familiar name on the report, or an unexpected tragedy that can make even the most experienced professional pause.
The emotional weight of this job is real, but it’s not carried alone. The office culture is one of camaraderie, where humor and shared experiences help to lighten the load. In addition to this having a peer support group, resilience training programs and work-life balance can help. There’s an understanding among colleagues that while the work is serious, they don’t have to take themselves too seriously.
By fostering a supportive and understanding workplace, forensic pathologists can better manage the emotional weight of their job, ensuring they remain effective and compassionate in their critical role. Finding joy in work, even in its most difficult moments, is what makes it sustainable.
The future of forensic pathology: opening doors for the next generation
Forensic pathology is facing a serious shortage of professionals, with many offices struggling to find and retain staff. The solution? Start early.
High school students rarely hear about forensic pathology as a career option. Medical students often don’t consider it until later in their training. Changing that narrative by introducing students to the field early, offering shadowing opportunities, and making forensic pathology a more visible career path—is key to ensuring its future.
For those who do enter the field, retention isn’t just about salary. It’s about creating an environment where professionals feel valued, supported, and balanced. This office, for example, prioritizes flexibility—where doctors collaborate to develop their work schedules, ensuring that their personal lives don’t come at the expense of their careers.
Here are a couple of popular resources and mentoring guides that can provide valuable insights and support:
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) mentorship program: https://www.aafs.org
National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME): https://name.memberclicks.net/
FREIDA™ AMA Residency and Fellowship Database: https://freida.ama-assn.org
A career that leaves an impact
At its heart, forensic pathology is not just about medicine—it’s about people. It is about serving the living by understanding the deceased, bringing closure to grieving families, solving the case, and ensuring that every individual’s story is heard, even when they can no longer tell it themselves.
For Dr. McLaren, the path to forensic pathology wasn’t conventional, but it was exactly where she was meant to be. Through mentorship, inclusion, and an unwavering passion for the job, she is helping to ensure that others—especially those who may have never envisioned themselves in this field—can find their way to a career that is not only fulfilling but essential.
Forensic pathologists do more than process cases—they honor lives. They stand in the space between the unknown and the answers, offering families a sense of resolution and ensuring that no one’s story is left untold.
As designers, hearing Dr. McLaren’s story reinforced what we know to be true: designing forensic spaces is about more than just the physical environment. It’s about creating spaces that support those who dedicate their lives to truth and justice, spaces that recognize the emotional weight of this work and ensure that those who carry it are not alone.
Without knowing it at first, forensic pathology was the reason Dr. McLaren pursued a career in medicine; it became her calling. And for those who walk this path—whether by choice or by circumstance—the impact of their work is immeasurable.
All opinions expressed in Design Like a J.E.D.I. with Jinhee Lee are exclusive to the author and are not reflective of Lab Design News.
