This is an excellent reality show. It outlines many cases that a forensic pathologist has encountered in her career. The program first gives accounts of the deceased person's life and what lead up to his or her death. Then, Dr. Garavaglia demonstrates to the viewer the possible reasons for the death and how she will go about discovering the cause of death. She will then demonstrate some of what she does such as weighing internal organs or taking photographs during the autopsy. At the end of each case, the program replays what happened to the deceased that led to his or her death once the cause of death is discovered by the medical examiner. Each program usually illustrates a couple of deaths. Many times the names have been changed as well as the actual people involved. Sometimes they reenact the autopsy but sometimes they show an actual autopsy with the face, sexual parts, and injuries blurred. It is interesting and informative. If you are a fan of forensic programs such as the CSI shows but want reality instead of fiction, this is the show for you! If you like some of the crime documentaries such as Forensic Files, Cold Case Files, American Justice, and the like, you will probably like this show as well.
9 Reviews
I love it!
jnmil311 February 2008
'Dr. G. Medical Examiner' is a departure from fictitious medical examiner shows, like 'Quincy' and 'Crossing Jordan'. Dr. Garavaglia showcases a part of the medical examiner's office these other shows leave out--the accidental and natural deaths that come through the office.
No, not everyone who needs the M.E. to sign them out of this life died violently, and, unlike what the fictitious shows portray, it is not the M.E.'s job to play detective, but to give cause and manner of death. I find it fascinating the work the investigators do to pull the deceased's medical records from family members and the examinations Dr. G. does in an individualized manner. The normal functions and processes of various organs/organ systems of the body are shown, followed by what went wrong with the heart/neurological system/etc. of the decedants who are examined by Dr. G. She compassionately explains what happened to their loved ones at the end. This is a recommended watch of the post mortem examination done compassionately.
No, not everyone who needs the M.E. to sign them out of this life died violently, and, unlike what the fictitious shows portray, it is not the M.E.'s job to play detective, but to give cause and manner of death. I find it fascinating the work the investigators do to pull the deceased's medical records from family members and the examinations Dr. G. does in an individualized manner. The normal functions and processes of various organs/organ systems of the body are shown, followed by what went wrong with the heart/neurological system/etc. of the decedants who are examined by Dr. G. She compassionately explains what happened to their loved ones at the end. This is a recommended watch of the post mortem examination done compassionately.
Dealing with death saved my life
caliaz-3054314 November 2017
I enjoy watching your show (Dr G). Recently 2017 there was a patient who died and was about 45 and her sister found her dead. She thought it was her fault because she gave her insulin and such. In addition she had a dental procedure the previous day.
I am a diabetic and did not know the severity of the condition (I take insulin and test my blood) but the information you gave in that episode gave me a wake up call to the true severity of this disease. Especially the diagrams at the end which show what happens at the end.
I also like how you screen out those parts (opening skull) and are professional enough to do this.
Again your show is awesome and want to personally thank you!!
I am a diabetic and did not know the severity of the condition (I take insulin and test my blood) but the information you gave in that episode gave me a wake up call to the true severity of this disease. Especially the diagrams at the end which show what happens at the end.
I also like how you screen out those parts (opening skull) and are professional enough to do this.
Again your show is awesome and want to personally thank you!!
Interesting and helpful.
gann-5063510 May 2023
This show keeps me entertained and also helps to increase my understanding of the body and things that can lead to a person's death. Very educational and helpful.
"Dr. G" knows what she is doing, being a highly trained expert in her field, she is informative, a great problem solver, and helps the viewer understand the general nature of what leads to and the complexity in finding out the different happenings present that has lead to a person's unfortunate death. She has an interesting and likable quality about her character that also ties into her expertise, giving the show its overall charm and keeping you informed, entertained, and wanting to watch more.
"Dr. G" knows what she is doing, being a highly trained expert in her field, she is informative, a great problem solver, and helps the viewer understand the general nature of what leads to and the complexity in finding out the different happenings present that has lead to a person's unfortunate death. She has an interesting and likable quality about her character that also ties into her expertise, giving the show its overall charm and keeping you informed, entertained, and wanting to watch more.
Stellar Human Being
Geechie_Native6 June 2022
It takes a rare special person to be able to do what needs to be done after someone passes. I know I couldn't handle it and have tremendous respect for those who can. Additionally, to seem be able to find that balance of clinical facts about each case and be compassionate about each person and their family members is exceptionally rare. Then to have the confidence, bravery and will to fight for what's right and be able to articulate it so well was just a special find. Dr. G is just now on my radar as my youngest is now in college. As I enter semi retired life and find out she has retired, I can only hope she has inspired many others to follow her example. Those of us who cannot reconcile the passing of those close to us and entrust our loved ones to local MEs can only hope.
still watching in 2023
xtal-698512 June 2023
I decided to revisit this show on tubi. Theres 8 seasons, so theres plenty to re-watch. Love all this medical stuff. I love her quirkiness and how casual she explains some of the ways people have died and she actually gets excited about some things while she's explaining. Its kinda ghoulish. My kinda gal. I wish they'd show the actual autopsy. It be very interesting. Sad thing is, a lot of the deaths she examines can be avoided/prevented. Especially when its a child death. Now that is sad. Thats one thing that would prevent me from doing her job-autopsying a child. Grandfather was a fireman. He told me of some sad things while responding to calls.
Interesting though all reenacted.
Xyler85226 April 2021
This is less a show of like 'Cops' where things are recorded in real time, but more like 'Forensic Files' where the events happened in the past but are reenacted. Actors play the deceased with make-up applied to show the wounds. The actors also reenact the days and minutes leading up to the time of death. The autopsy shows nothing. Everything is so blurred out that she could be holding a sandwich instead of an extracted heart. Dr. G describes what she sees, or saw. You never see her cut into the patient, she imitates cracking open the ribs but the ribs are never shown, the skull is supposedly sawed open but you don't see it. The only real thing is blood being put into lab tubes and microscope slides. This is possibly the least graphic show about autopsies out there.
But that's OK.
Dr. G is an good teacher and curious personality. The way she and her team figure out each case is interesting. The computer graphics and photos are very helpful in understanding things like blood clots, cardiac tamponade, strokes, and unusual diseases and conditions. If you were a medical student she'd be a good teacher. Her conclusions sometimes are helpful toward those who are still living.
It would be educational and interesting if there was a show with real autopsies in order to learn more about anatomy and physiology.
But that's OK.
Dr. G is an good teacher and curious personality. The way she and her team figure out each case is interesting. The computer graphics and photos are very helpful in understanding things like blood clots, cardiac tamponade, strokes, and unusual diseases and conditions. If you were a medical student she'd be a good teacher. Her conclusions sometimes are helpful toward those who are still living.
It would be educational and interesting if there was a show with real autopsies in order to learn more about anatomy and physiology.
Good show, but too much reenactment
stacielh3 May 2022
I love her enthusiasm to finding solutions, but almost none of what you see is real. Even family pics and such are with actors. I don't need to see the autopsy, but actually seeing pictures of victims and being able to see facial expressions and body language is something I value in crime shows. I am absolutely fine with reenactment, but photos? Really?
too dramatized
nnnbooks31 May 2021
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