Spokane Medical Examiners Office works to connect, educate students on career opportunities [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash. – Forensic pathology is an industry that isn’t often top of mind for students. The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office is working to change that through various community connections.

“We do outreach as young as seventh grade,” said Kate Sire.

Kate currently works as an autopsy assistant. A role that followed a learning opportunity she worked hard to pursue through Spokane County’s Medical Examiner, Dr. Veena Singh.

“I reached out a lot over three years,” she said. “Dr. Singh was willing to take a chance on me. She gave me a tour of the office, and I just talked her ear off asking questions.”

Sire asked if she could do a job shadow. Dr. Singh gave her a different opportunity.

“I was actually the office’s first intern,” she said. “I got to learn the jobs of the investigators and autopsy assistants.”

That internship evolved into her current position …