MSU forensic pathologists begin service in Kent and Ottawa counties

Amanda Fisher-Hubbard, M.D., and Nicolas Kostelecky, M.D., this month joined the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM) as faculty members, and were named medical examiner and deputy medical examiner, respectively, for Kent and Ottawa counties.

Dr. Fisher-Hubbard, associate professor in MSUCOM, leads as chief medical examiner, along with Dr. Kostelecky, assistant professor in MSUCOM, who serves as deputy medical examiner for the two counties. Based at Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital, Grand Rapids, Mich., the physicians will conduct autopsies and help oversee the broader work of medicolegal death investigation. They will also perform hospital autopsies for Corewell Health.

This continues and strengthens the regional partnership developed last year when Stephen Cohle, M.D., former chief medical examiner in Kent County, joined MSUCOM as faculty. Dr. Cohle will continue to serve as a faculty member with MSUCOM and will serve as a deputy medical examiner for Kent and Ottawa counties, under Dr. Fisher-Hubbard’s lead.

For Dr. Fisher-Hubbard, this work begins with recognizing the person in her care. “I am a physician and it is my job to care for each decedent as my patient,” she said. “‘Doctor’ comes from the Latin word that means ‘to teach’ — I first learn from my patients so that I may tell their stories. I speak for those who can no longer speak. Each patient deserves to be heard, to have their dignity maintained, and to be treated with respect. I take this very seriously in my quest for answers.”

Joyce deJong, D.O., dean of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and a forensic pathologist, said Dr. Fisher-Hubbard stood out because of her understanding of what makes a high-quality death investigation system and for the care she expressed for families during the interview process.

“When we spoke with Amanda about hospital autopsies, her response made clear that her commitment to families does not end with the boundaries of medical examiner jurisdiction,” Dean deJong said. “She understood that those families need answers, too. That commitment, alongside her expertise and dedication to teaching, is what we wanted in the person leading this work.”

Recruited through a national search, Dr. Fisher-Hubbard and Dr. Kostelecky have worked together previously at the Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine and bring expertise in forensic pathology and neuropathology to these new roles. After being selected for the chief medical examiner role, Dr. Fisher-Hubbard played a major role in choosing the deputy to work with her to build the service.

Care that continues after death

Alongside their county responsibilities, Drs. Fisher-Hubbard and Kostelecky will work with Corewell clinicians to strengthen the hospital autopsy program. These examinations, performed with family consent, can help explain a death, clarify disease processes and allow clinicians to evaluate their understanding of a patient’s illness and care. They extend the search for answers to deaths outside the medical examiner’s jurisdiction and support Corewell’s commitment to quality and learning.

For Dr. Kostelecky, the work requires attention to the person’s life as well as the findings of an examination.

“A forensic pathologist may be the last physician to examine an individual, but that does not mean they are not focused on the whole health of the individual,” Kostelecky said. “To me this means the patient, their family, and their environment. All have played a role, and all deserve to be treated with respect.

“Thorough investigations, respectful and complete examinations, and clear communication form a triad to support the families of our patients and provide answers to them and our community.”

Building on decades of public trust

The partnership builds on more than 40 years of service by Dr. Cohle, whose work in Kent County has earned the trust of families and colleagues throughout West Michigan. His contributions extend beyond daily casework to teaching, publishing and advancing forensic pathology nationally.

Ottawa County will also continue its longstanding collaboration with Kent County in death investigations as part of this program. In addition to their work for the two counties, the physicians will provide examinations for cases referred by other medical examiners in Michigan, extending access to their expertise.

“Kent County is thrilled to welcome Dr. Amanda Fisher-Hubbard, chief medical examiner, and Dr. Nicolas Kostelecky, deputy medical examiner, to our partnership with MSU and the Kent County Medical Examiner Office,” said Al Venderberg, Kent County administrator/controller. “Their expertise in providing essential pathology services will serve Kent County residents well for many years to come.”

Kent County and MSU are working to identify and develop a new facility to support the program. Details will be shared once available.

Serving Michigan through science and education

The partnership reflects MSU’s land-grant mission through bringing university expertise directly to the service of Michigan communities. The work will support families, clinicians and the legal system, while contributing to public health.

The physicians’ academic roles will also provide hands-on learning opportunities for medical students, residents and other physicians, as well as research possibilities that advance the field.

Dean deJong’s longer-term vision is a forensic science institute that connects the Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office with MSU expertise in forensic anthropology, toxicology, chemistry and biology, to develop a Michigan resource capable of addressing increasingly complex questions in forensic science.

“Answers matter,” Dean deJong said. “We cannot give families what they most want, which is their loved one back. But we can pursue their questions with care, explain what we learn with compassion and provide answers worthy of their trust. Bringing the resources of Michigan State University to that responsibility is what our land-grant mission is about.”