After graduating from Bellarmine , I returned to the FBI Laboratory to the Metallurgy Unit . During this assignment , I became acquainted with X-ray Fluorescent ( XRF ) Technologies . Working with the anthropologists at the lab , we developed a project to determine if we could differentiate the elemental signature of human bone , from other types of bone such as cow , deer or coral species . In my research , we found that human bone under XRF produced distinctive calcium and phosphorous peaks compared to bones of other species . Further , we tested a desk top XRF to a portable XRF device and found that these two devices were compatible . Through these findings , our research sparked a new line of forensic study into the identification of human remains using XRF technologies . 1
Prior to my acceptance into medical school , I continued with the Bureau as a Forensic Scientist in the Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center where I trained on forensic exploitation of improvised explosive devices . The work was meaningful , and I enjoyed nothing more than the opportunity to serve my country and assist in the identification of terrorists responsible for the murder or maiming of our brave servicemen and servicewomen . However , my desire to pursue medicine and to be on the frontlines as an emergency physician continued to grow . After a lengthy discussion with an emergency physician within the Bureau , I felt that I was always looking at the physicians and medics with this yearning to be one of them . I wasn ’ t idolizing the idea of being a forensic examiner , rather I imagined myself taking care of gunshot wounds , stabbings , critically ill patients and resuscitating patients . I submitted my application to medical school and begrudgingly abandoned my salary and federal benefits to pursue the arduous task of becoming a physician .
While I expected to be on the frontlines of medicine as an emergency medicine physician , I never expected to be thrust into residency training at the heart of a global pandemic . Nonetheless , I am honored to have the opportunity to continue serving my country in one of the most tumultuous periods in US history . The training and moral fortitude instilled in me as an FBI employee provided me the strength to remain positive despite the insurmountable challenge facing our health care system as well as the nation ’ s health care system . Just as I served on the frontlines in seeking justice for victims of criminal enterprise , so too would I continue the fight on the frontlines in the preservation of life against an invisible enemy . In the FBI , I worked to serve justice for victims of crime . As an emergency physician , I work to serve the poor , uplift the marginalized of society , and provide life-saving care everyday to my community . Further , the experiences in the FBI have prepared me to identify victims of crime , human trafficking and crimes against children and assist law enforcement in bringing those individuals to safety .
I am humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to serve the Federal Bureau of Investigation . The experiences and lessons of the FBI continue to have an impact on me as a physician and in my
patient care . The core values of the
FBI are Fidelity , Bravery and Integrity ; and while I am no longer working with law enforcement , I continue to apply these values into my work as a physician . Faithful fidelity to my studies , my colleagues and my patients ; bravery to accept the challenges inherent to the practice of medicine ; and , most importantly , the integrity to acknowledge the inevitable opportunities for reanalysis and reevaluation in order to develop into a more competent physician .
Disclaimer : The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the FBI or the United States Government .
References :
1 . Kuzel AR , Christensen AM , Marvin SM . Calcium and Phosphorus Detection Using Benchtop Versus Handheld X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometers .
J Forensic Sci . 2016 Jan ; 61 Suppl 1 : S190-2 .
FEATURE
Aaron R . Kuzel , DO , MBA is the Chief Resident at the University of Louisville School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine .
MAY 2021 15