Dr. Michael Baden: A Life in Forensic Pathology

In this episode, I sit down with world-renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden to revisit the winter night in 1989 when he helped my family uncover the truth about my husband, Billy Martin's, fatal accident. From the injury patterns that indicated Billy was the passenger to the early use of DNA that matched hair in the windshield to the driver, Dr. Baden walks us through the science that brought closure and why careful, independent forensic work matters when stories conflict.We also explore Dr. Baden's life and career. From growing up a Yankees fan and training at NYU-Bellevue, to leading the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner and consulting for the New York State Police, to re-examining the JFK and MLK assassinations, testifying around the world, and writing about reform in forensic practice. Along the way, he shares lessons from the autopsy room, concerns about junk science and excited delirium, and reflections on science in the COVID era.