The autopsy is a low-tech, high-yield medical procedure firmly rooted in the history of medicine. It is an extraordinary tool for quality improvement of medical care, public heath and, most important, clear explanation of why a person has died. Few autopsies are performed in the United States (approximately 7% of deaths have an autopsy). This low utilization is not, fortunately, a challenge at UIHC (approximately 30% institutional autopsy rate). My primary research interests are the educational benefits of the autopsy and developing effective strategies for communicating this information.