Forensic Pathologist Dr Shepherd visits Habs

 

Autopsies, serial killers, ‘freak accidents’ and ‘perfect murders’ – all in a day’s work for top forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd, our guest speaker on Monday 20 May. The session, held at the Boys’ School library, was well attended by students and members of staff from both the Boys’ and Girls’ schools.

Dr Shepherd engaged the audience with recollections from his long and prolific career, starting with his early days in Guys Hospital and more recently his involvement with the Stephen Lawrence case describing how recent developments in forensic science have led to the perpetrators finally being convicted. Moving on to 2001, Dr Shepherd recounted his experience assisting with the post-mortems after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Dr Shepherd confided that the life of a forensic pathologist is not without stress, however, he also expressed a sense of deep job  satisfaction. With an explanation of how a person died, he provides a sense of closure to loved ones.