COMPASSIONATE MEDICINE
We provide three essential benefits to families experiencing a loss:
information, understanding and piece of mind.
About the Autopsy Center of Chicago
The Autopsy Center provides compassionate, comprehensive, caring service for families in bereavement.
Casework is meticulous and interactions with families are warm and emotionally available. We work to transform the confusing into the clear; the uncertain into the manageable; the unknown into the known. The founder, Dr. Ben Margolis, received his B.A. from Harvard University and his M.D. from the University of Chicago. Read more About the Center….
The Autopsy Center engages in legislative advocacy, scientific research, and educational outreach to support the community.
Attend our critically acclaimed event for the public: Science to Humanity: The Autopsy. Join Dr. Margolis for a slideshow and discussion about the autopsy. Learn how the body changes with illness, how the procedure is performed and, above all, how the results bring a family to a place of peace. Tickets/Information/ Reviews
Latest News, Events and Articles
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Blog
7/26/14 Monthly case: Blocked stent This month’s case focuses on one finding in a patient with a very serious blood disease called S-C disease. While the finding did not cause the patient’s death, it helped the family complete their understand of the loved one’s medical condition. Read more.
7/25/14 Reflections on an Autopsy Seminar Dr. Margolis shares his experience talking with the public about the autopsy over the past couple years. As Science to Humanity moves this week to its new venue, the International Museum of Surgical Science, Dr. Margolis takes a moment to reflect. Read more.
7/25/14. Poem: Invitation Read Dr. Margolis’s poem, published in 2013 (Medical Humanities – British Medical Journal). Stay tuned for his short story, coming out in August (Ars Medica, 2014).
6/27/14 New event venue.Our event, Science to Humanity: The Autopsy, is moving to a new venue. Join us at the International Museum of Surgical Science starting July 30 for Science to Humanity: The Autopsy; and stay tuned for more educational events in 2014-2015. The facility is located along Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast just one block south of North Avenue.
In the News
January, 2014. “Margolis pays special attention to the family’s story and concerns…. “I never really thought about what an autopsy can do for a family,” [an attendee at Science to Humanity: The Autopsy] said. “I never saw the emotional aspect.” Read the complete article written by Life Matters Media.
May, 2013 “…the top expert in Chicago” “…sensitive” “…impartial” Read about Dr. Margolis in the May, 2013 issue of Chicago Magazine, “This Is What Really Happens During an Autopsy.”
Tumor Donation Program: The Autopsy Center is working to provide an option for cancer patients to donate tumor tissue to research. The idea is similar to that of organ or tissue donor. But instead of donating an organ or tissue to help a sick person “right now,” tumor tissue is donated to research to help the next generation. Read more….
From the Director’s Desk
July, 2014
Our event, Science to Humanity: The Autopsy opens at the International Museum of Surgical Science this Wednesday, July 30. The event draws nurses, hospice workers, lawyers, social workers, physicians, artists, police and many others. About 400 people have attended the event thus far. Come learn what they know this week on July 30; and read Dr. Margolis’s reflections on teaching this class for the public.
The Autopsy Center welcomes Ms. Rabiya Bilfaqi, second year law student at DePaul School of Law, for our summer law student internship. Rabiya has a strong interest in medicolegal issues within healthcare and minority empowerment; and has been active as a volunteer and fundraiser with cancer support organization, Susan G. Komen.
Dr. Margolis’s short fiction, “What’s Wrong with You,” has been accepted for publication in the Canadian medical literary journal, Ars Medica. The journal “explores the interface between the arts and healing, and examines what makes medicine an art.” Read about the journal here; and stay tuned for the publication date in August.
The Center is actively looking for a social worker who can be available to assist families in crisis. If you think you may be of help or know someone who may, please call or refer to us. Thank you.
Ben Margolis, M.D. Director
