Forensic pathology often draws fascination from the grim and sensational,  murder cases, mysterious deaths, and “grizzly” details that satisfy public curiosity. But as Dr. Roland Kohr explains in this episode of Kohroner Chronicles, the deeper purpose of forensics goes far beyond solving crimes. Sometimes, it’s about helping the living find peace.

Q&A with Dr. Roland Kohr, Host of Kohroner Chronicles

Q: Dr. Kohr, how did you choose forensics as your career path?
A: I often say forensics chose me. I decided to become a doctor as early as ninth grade, inspired by a classmate who said he wanted to go into medicine. I liked science and math, and medicine seemed like a stable and respected career. My original interests leaned toward medical genetics. I even considered pursuing an MD/PhD, but after my first year of medical school, I realized that wasn’t the right direction.

Eventually, I gravitated toward surgery because I liked the idea of doing something definitive, fixing problems rather than managing chronic conditions. I began a general surgery residency but didn’t complete it. During medical school, I had done rotations in pathology, partly to help with surgical training, and I found it fascinating, especially the autopsy service.