Media Contact
Related News
Related News
Justice doesn’t begin in the courtroom — it often begins in the mortuary. Forensic pathologists use science to uncover facts, answer difficult questions, and help bring certainty where there is loss. This International Women’s Day, we shine a spotlight on Dr Rebecca Williams and the impact of her work.
Dr Williams is a Senior Forensic Pathologist at Forensic Medicine Newcastle who recently relocated from Far North Queensland with her family. Against a backdrop of a worldwide shortage of forensic pathologists, we are thrilled to welcome Dr Williams to NSW Health Pathology.
Her work plays a role in supporting communities during some of their most difficult moments. With International Women’s Day on 8 March, we spoke to her about this year’s theme ‘Balance the Scales’, which calls for justice, safety and representation for all women and girls.
“Every day in my work as a Senior Forensic Pathologist, I am confronted with scales.
Not the symbolic kind often associated with justice, but real ones. We weigh organs. We measure injuries. We calculate toxicology levels. Precision matters. Grams matter.
Millimetres matter. In forensic medicine, the smallest imbalance can change the story a body tells.
This International Women’s Day, the theme “Balance the Scales” resonates deeply , not only in the pursuit of justice for the deceased, but in the pursuit of equity for the living.
As forensic pathologists, we work at the direction of the NSW Coroner, giving voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves. Each case tells us something about where society is out of balance. Our findings help families understand what has happened. They inform public health reforms. They may influence criminal proceedings. Our responsibility is immense and in many ways we are the custodians of the scales of justice.
Justice, however, is not simply about facts, it is about fairness. And fairness requires balance.
For many women in medicine and science, the scales have historically been uneven.
Leadership roles, recognition, research opportunities, pay equity, and even the visibility of women in forensic and medico-legal fields have not always reflected the depth of contribution.
When I completed my Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (FRCPA) in Forensic Pathology in 2007, I could not have predicted where this career would take me.
I worked as a Staff Specialist in Brisbane from 2008–2009, before moving to Toowoomba in 2010, then back to Brisbane from 2011 until mid-2022. In 2022, I moved to Townsville as Regional Director of Forensic Pathology for Queensland, and in January 2026, I began a new chapter in Newcastle.
Each move has been driven by one thing: a deep belief in the importance of this work.
This International Women’s Day, the theme “Balance the Scales” resonates strongly with me, not only in the literal sense of our work, but in what it represents for women in health, science and justice.”
Access to justice for every woman and girl
Balancing the scales means ensuring access to justice for every woman and girl.
In forensic pathology, we sometimes see the stark consequences of inequality, such as domestic and family violence, social disadvantage and gaps in healthcare access. The deceased cannot advocate for themselves. It is our responsibility to ensure their story is told accurately and objectively, regardless of who they were or where they came from.
Justice must not depend on postcode, income, background or gender. The pursuit of equity in our profession mirrors the pursuit of fairness in our investigations: both require rigour, integrity and courage.
Following your passion
When I began my pathology training in 2004, forensic pathology was still a relatively young specialty. Another Registrar and I were the first female forensic pathology trainees in Queensland to complete training.
Almost 20 years on, the landscape has shifted significantly. Female registrars now outnumber male registrars in forensic pathology in NSW – in fact 5 trainees in our Forensic Medicine Service are females. That change did not happen by accident. It reflects persistence, visibility and a willingness to challenge outdated assumptions about who belongs in this field.
To women considering a career in medicine, science or justice, my message is simple: follow your passion, regardless of other people’s opinions. Work hard. Don’t take no for an answer. It’s up to you to make every day count!
Your journey may require relocation, long hours, or stepping into unfamiliar environments, but growth rarely happens in comfort.
Inspiration close to home
One of the women who has inspired me most is my aunt. She completed only one subject to Grade 12 level — English. Later in life, she went on to complete a teaching degree at university. She then established a kindergarten from nothing and built it into a thriving business that was ultimately purchased by a well-known education provider.
Today, at 73 years of age, she continues to work as a Director!
Her passion, relentless work ethic and unwavering positive mindset shaped my understanding of what is possible. She never gave up. She never allowed early circumstances to define her future.
The power of networks and perspective
Medicine is full of extraordinary women. I have found it invaluable to maintain professional relationships both within forensic pathology and outside it. Some of the most valuable insights come from those working in entirely different disciplines but who share a commitment to improving the systems they serve.
Diversity strengthens us. An inclusive workplace improves decision-making, innovation and ultimately the quality of service we provide to the community.
Advice for the next generation
For those starting out in forensic pathology, or any medical specialty, my advice is to gain as much experience as possible, from as many people as you can.
When opportunities arise to work at another site, take them. Every hospital, every department, every senior colleague will approach clinical problems slightly differently. With every person you work alongside, you gain an extra layer of knowledge.
Supporting the future
If we are serious about balancing the scales, we must actively support the next generation of women entering health, justice and science.
Encourage students who seek electives in forensic pathology or related fields. Provide exposure early. Be visible. Offer positive role models. Create workplaces where diversity is valued and inclusion is deliberate.
Workforce shortages in highly specialised areas like forensic pathology are a global reality. The solution lies not only in recruitment, but in cultivating passion and opportunity from the earliest stages of training.
This International Women’s Day, I reflect on how far we have come, and how far we still need to go.
Forensic pathology sits at a unique vantage point. We see the consequences when systems fail, and with that insight comes responsibility to advocate for prevention, for policy change, and for evidence-informed reform.
Interested in studying a career in pathology or forensics?
Click here to discover the tertiary education that can lead you to a career with us.