Forensic psychiatry and the forensic sciences: In memory of Peter J. Batten, MD

Joseph D. Bloom

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This commentary is dedicated to the memory of Peter J. Batten, MD. He was a public health physician, a psychiatrist, and a medical examiner who spent his entire career in Salem, the capital of the State of Oregon. Salem was a unique place to work because, early in the history of Oregon, the state elected to build all of its original public institutions in the environs of the city. As the county medical examiner, Dr. Batten reviewed all questionable deaths that occurred within the county and in particular within the public institutions. Many of his findings were subsequently published, and these reports influenced the direction of mental health policy in these same institutions. He also used his position as county medical examiner to examine deaths in road rage incidents and those occurring at railroad crossings in Salem. The commentary also emphasizes the benefits of collaboration within the forensic sciences.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)552-555
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
Volume37
Issue number4
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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