11th Annual Forensic Science Symposium

Mayo Clinic’s 11th Annual Forensic Science Symposium will explore a diverse range of topics, including medical ethics and the current and future state of transplant medicine. The symposium will also feature sessions on mass fatality response with insights from emergency managers, and airport-based case scenarios. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in two focused, hands-on workshops covering mass casualty response, law enforcement search protocols, and the use of drones in forensic investigations. Case studies will be woven throughout the program to provide real-world context and deepen understanding of these critical issues.

Accessibility statement: The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine & Science (MCCMS) strives for inclusive learning and training environments. If you experience or anticipate experiencing any disability related barriers, please contact Disability Access Services at MCCMS.DS@mayo.edu.

Conference information

Dates: April 17, 2026

Location: Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, Minnesota

Live only: This program will be in person only and will not be live streamed.

Presented by: Mayo Clinic Laboratories

Questions: Contact the Mayo Clinic Laboratories Education Department at 800-533-1710 or 507-284-3156, or email mcleducation@mayo.edu.

More information on learning objectives, registration, agenda, faculty, credit, lodging accommodations, and policies are included below.

Intended audience

This course is designed for M.D. (medical examiner, coroner), Ph.D., PA(ASCP), death investigators, county attorneys, funeral directors, crime technicians, and law enforcement officers interested in forensic science.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the conference, participants should be able to:

Explain ethical principles and challenges related to transplant medicine and forensic investigations.
Demonstrate effective strategies for a mass fatality or mass casualty response, including coordination with emergency management teams.
Apply law enforcement search protocols in forensic investigations to ensure thorough and systematic evidence collection.
Utilize drone technology for forensic scene documentation and evidence gathering in compliance with legal and procedural standards.
Describe the role of pathologists in transplant medicine and its implications for forensic investigations.

Registration

Physicians: $180
Non-Physicians: $150

Costs incurred by the registrant, such as airline or hotel fees or penalties, are the responsibility of the registrant.

Agenda

Friday, April 19, 2026 (Schedule subject to change)

7:45AM	Welcome & Introduction to Symposium
8AM	Future State of Transplant
8:20AM	Life Source
8:40AM	Medical Ethics
9AM	Q&A Panel
9:30AM	Mass Disaster Planning: Exercising Past and Future
9:50AM	Mass Fatality Preparedness: Airport Roles in Prevention and Exercise Compliance
10:20AM	Thinking About Drinking
11AM	Breakout Sessions: Learners will choose one to attend Topics include drones, casualty response, and tactical focus on search
11:45AM	Lunch & Networking
12:45PM	Breakout Sessions: Learners will choose one to attend Topics include drones, casualty response, and tactical focus on search
1:30PM	Shrunken Head: Family Heirloom or Human Remains?
2PM	Decontamination in ED
2:35PM	Case Presentations Featuring cases on homicide by heart attack, scuba-related deaths, unhoused populations and death investigations
4:25PM	Closing Remarks
4:35PM	Adjourn

Faculty

Course Directors

Reade Quinton, M.D.
R. Ross Reichard, M.D.

Planning Committee

Courtney Hyland, M.H.S., PA(ASCP)
Monica Kendall, M.S., PA(ASCP)

Mayo Clinic Faculty

Aaron Amundson, D.O.
Lainee Bulawa-Regner, M.S., PA(ASCP)
Jason R. Carney, MSN, RN
Nathan Cummins, M.D., M.A.
Sam Engrav, M.D.
Carolyne Lemieux, M.B.B.S., M.S.
Dustin Parsons, M.D.
Erica Reed, M.S., PA(ASCP)

Guest Faculty

Melinda Collison, Lead Partner Liaison, LifeSource
Troy Reed, Fire Chief/Operations Supervisor at Rochester International Airport
Brett Knapp, Assistant Chief – Emergency Management Director, City of Rochester
Detective Alex Kendrick, Rochester Police Department
Lieutenant Rick Dahly, Rochester Police Department
Rebecca Wilcoxon, M.D., Forensic Pathology Fellowship Director, Hennepin County

Credit

Credit statement:

Credit is currently pending for this activity. Details regarding the type and amount of credit will be provided once approval is received.

Travel and accommodations

There are various ways to travel to Rochester, Minnesota. Please visit Experience Rochester for information on flying and shuttle services available.

Mayo Clinic Laboratories is not responsible for expenses incurred by an individual who is not confirmed and for whom space is not available at the meeting. Costs incurred by the registrant such as airline or hotel fees or penalties are the responsibility of the registrant.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel your participation in this conference on or before March 27, 2026, your registration fee, less a $75 administrative fee, will be refunded. Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ Education Department must receive written notification of your cancellation. No refunds will be made after March 27, 2026.

Mayo Clinic Laboratories reserves the right to cancel or postpone any conference due to unforeseen circumstances. In the unlikely event Mayo Clinic Laboratories must cancel or postpone this conference, Mayo Clinic Laboratories will refund the registration fee but is not responsible for any related costs, charges, or expenses to participants, including fees assessed by airline/travel/lodging agencies.