Who are pathologists? There's a lot of misinformation about us, and although this isn't an exhaustive list, these are some of the more common stereotypes that need dispelled. #pathology 1. Pathologists are bad communicators.

Medical schools specifically select for students who are excellent at communication. This is an essential skill for any medical doctor.

Not a medical thread, but since I get asked a lot, this is my dog. She is a Caucasian Shepherd (Ovcharka). These dogs are not for everyone; she looks big and floofy and sweet, but COs are a very special breed. Yes, they're adorable. Here she is at 8 weeks and over 20lbs. She was chosen for our family because of her relatively sweet temperament and sex (females tend to be less difficult).

I have an Irish ancestor. Way back in the 17th century, a woman left Ireland, traveled by ship to North America, and settled near my Mohawk family. She married a Mohawk man (an uncle many generations back), and she was accepted into the community. Her story must be fascinating. However, it does not make me Irish. I know nothing about Irish language, culture or families, I've never been to Ireland. I went out for St. Patrick's Day once.

Today was really tough. I watched the leaders of the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc share the truths about their missing children. There is still so much work to be done, and that's only one site. They are right, this is heavy truth. I saw a newly appointed Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation speak about residential schools on his first day. My recommendation to him - read the TRC.

Here's some information about the different forensic experts needed for thorough investigation of any residential school sites, depending on the decisions of the communities and families. This isn't a comprehensive list, but the key players involved. Forensic Pathologists - we are medical doctors who have subspecialty training in medicolegal death investigation. In short, we perform autopsies, and using medical and scientific facts, we try to get as close to the truth about how someone died as possible.

The day I graduated from medical school, I was interviewed by the media (I can't remember who). They asked what kind of doctor I would be, and I excitedly said "a pathologist!" The response was "isn't that a waste?" The idea was that any Indigenous medical student should automatically go into a primary care residency, and go back to their respective communities to practice.

Racism in healthcare exists. We must honour the dead, but we must also take care of the living. Here is some lived experience:

Being the only "Indian kid" in class, and becoming popular for one day a year when we made paper moccasins. We never once learned about residential schools, even though my father attended one.

A few more reflections on the forensic work:

1. This will require a team of experts, including forensic pathologists, forensic anthropologists, archeologists, scientists and genealogists, to name a few 2. GPR or Ground Penetrating Radar is incredibly useful technology, but has its limitations and must be interpreted by the right experts (I'm not an expert in GPR)

My thoughts on the Residential School grave sites, and the potential forensic work involved.

1. The work must be guided by the decisions and wishes of the families and communities 2. The right information about what's possible and the limitations of any forensic work must be made available so families and communities can decide what's best