This story has been updated to reflect that Charli Rose serves as the Division Director of the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office. A previous version of this article inaccurately stated Rose’s title as the Wayne County Medical Examiner.
Breaking barriers and challenging norms, Charli Rose stands as a testament to the power of diversity and dedication in the demanding world of forensic pathology. As the Division Director of Wayne County’s Medical Examiner Office, Rose embodies a symbol of progress in a field where Black women have historically been underrepresented. Her role, which is pivotal in maintaining public health and justice in a county that encompasses Detroit – a city known for its rich history and majority Black population – is more than a job; it’s a statement of change and representation.
Rose stepped into this role in January of 2023 and has deemed it as God’s way of guiding her to leadership in a county that is home to a city she knows all too well, “This career milestone represents a year of full dedication, hard work, and leadership. It’s always been my dream to work here in some capacity, but God said….Nope, you’re going to LEAD! I thank Mr. Warren Evans for allowing me this opportunity.”
In this exclusive interview with the Michigan Chronicle, as we delve into the life and insights of Charli Rose, we celebrate not just her professional journey but also the broader narrative of Black female empowerment in healthcare and forensic science. The duties of a county medical examiner are complex and diverse, ranging from conducting autopsies to playing a crucial role in criminal investigations. Rose navigates this landscape with a blend of scientific rigor and a deep understanding of the community she serves.
Her tenure, marked by significant strides in both the efficiency of the Medical Examiner’s office and community engagement, speaks volumes about the impact of having a Black woman at the helm in a field that often intersects with issues of race, justice, and public health. As we engage in a candid conversation with Rose, we explore not only her day-to-day responsibilities and challenges but also the broader implications of her work in a community like Detroit’s, where her identity resonates deeply with the many she serves.
Q: Reflecting on the past year, what have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your position, particularly in the context of Detroit and Wayne County?
A: Throughout 2023, I was laser-focused on delivering high-quality work, particularly in the area of customer service. Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans and his leadership team saw something in me and presented me with the opportunity of a lifetime. Daily, I pushed myself to go a bit farther to do a bit more. I reminded myself that excellence was the goal. It was important that I worked with purpose – that I worked efficiently and effectively. I understood the assignment, and each day, I was intensely focused on providing exceptional customer service to our community, specifically when reaching out to grieving families. Providing comfort and assurance that their loved ones were being treated with dignity and respect and that all processes and procedures were accurate and reliable was paramount to our success to my success. This remains true as I begin year two. As the first person to hold this title, delivering with excellence remains our overarching goal.
Q: As a Black woman leading in a field where we’re underrepresented, how do you feel your presence and leadership have impacted the Medical Examiner’s Office and the community it serves?
A: I bring a unique perspective to the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office –
I’m from Detroit, I’m a black woman, and I come from a long line of funeral directors. I bring a few different perspectives that did not exist before I was hired. I understand and empathize with some of the challenges the office has encountered historically. In my role, I consistently evaluate and respond to the distinct requirements of both the office and the community.
Q: What accomplishment in the past year are you most proud of, and how do you think it has advanced the function and perception of the Medical Examiner’s Office?
A: I am so proud of our work thus far. As a team, we remain focused on continuous improvement. We’ve worked extensively to improve our services at the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office. In the past year, we’ve been able to implement a new system that makes it easier for families to identify their loved ones using unique identifiers like tattoos and birthmarks; we’ve decreased the turnaround time for cremation approvals and forged relationships with funeral home directors for ease of service.
Because we partner with Wayne State University, particularly its medical school, there are countless opportunities to work with faculty and staff to ultimately make the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office a world-class learning and teaching facility. Partnering with such an esteemed learning institution offers aspiring forensic pathologists an opportunity to gain excellent training in a challenging but rewarding field at one of the most prominent morgues in the nation.
Q: In what ways do you believe your unique perspective as a Black woman has influenced your approach to medical examinations and investigations in Wayne County?
A: As a woman with experience in the death care industry, I bring a distinct level of empathy and compassion to my role. My leadership skills have enabled me to overcome barriers and maintain strong relationships with vendors, ultimately expediting services within Wayne County.
Q: How do you balance the scientific and emotional aspects of your job, especially in a city with complex social and health challenges like Detroit?
A: For me, it’s important to maintain a healthy, balanced life. It’s not always easy, but it’s a daily goal. It’s essential to find healthy ways to decompress and take care of yourself. Taking a time out for self is important regardless of your profession, but it’s a MUST when working in this field. I force myself to STOP and recharge. I choose to do things that make me smile, like spending time with family and friends – things that make me feel complete.
Q: What initiatives or changes have you implemented in the Medical Examiner’s office that you believe are critical for its progress and efficiency?
A: Over the past year, Wayne County, in collaboration with Wayne State University’s School of Medicine, has forged a robust partnership with a shared dedication to enhancing the experience for families dealing with the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s office. Together, we have tackled challenges to create an improved journey for loved ones. This collaboration has not only strengthened connections with the community but also fostered better relationships with service providers such as funeral homes, local police, and fire departments. Further, we’ve built a Joint Advisory Council to bring our operation closer to the community and provide community input on our work—something that I care a lot about.
Q: Finally, what message or advice would you give to young Black women who aspire to enter fields like forensic pathology or other medical sciences, based on your own experiences and journey?
A: Make sure this is your passion. Make sure this is a career path you want to travel. Find a mentor who can help you navigate the challenges and successes of this unique career. Not everyone will understand what you do or even why you chose this career path. Having a mentor in the same profession is priceless. They will understand the mental and physical challenges; they will understand the intense level of responsibility. Finally, create a plan and diligently work on it every day.
Charli Rose’s tenure as Division Director in Wayne County’s Medical Examiner Office has been a journey marked by profound resilience and unwavering commitment, particularly impactful for the Black community in Detroit. In just a year, she’s redefined the role, bringing a much-needed sense of humanity and efficiency to the office. Her ability to navigate the complexities of her position while also being a nurturing mother paints a picture of a woman who’s breaking barriers and setting new standards.
In a city where the majority of the population shares her heritage, Rose’s presence in a critical public health role speaks volumes. She’s not just following a path; she’s rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a Black woman in a high-stakes field. Her approach to the job—infused with empathy, grounded in community understanding, and driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence—has resonated deeply with Detroiters.
Charli’s journey is more than a success story; it’s a beacon of inspiration, challenging and changing the status quo. As she steps into another year in her role, Charli Rose stands as a testament to the power of representation and the importance of bringing diverse perspectives to critical public roles. Her story is not just about personal triumph but a call to action for future generations, affirming that with dedication and passion, ceilings can turn into skies.
Rose went to social media to reflect on her first year, filled with gratitude. As she quotes: “I’m living out God’s wildest dreams for me.”
About Post Author
