How the U.S. Opioid Epidemic is Straining Forensic Pathologists

Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death among Americans under 50. In Milwaukee County, opioid-related deaths are now one-third of the autopsy workload, outnumbering motor vehicle-related and homicide deaths combined, explains Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Brian Peterson. In this CAPcast, Dr. Peterson discusses the factors fueling the rise of the opioid epidemic, how it’s overwhelming the nation’s forensic pathologists and even threatening their laboratory’s accreditation in some cases. Dr. Peterson, who is also the president of the National Association of Medical Examiners will also share his thoughts on what needs to be done to counteract this strain, given this epidemic is showing no signs of reversing course.