Dallas County has made a notable appointment by selecting Dr. Jessica Dwyer as the new director of the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences (SWIFS), becoming the first woman to lead the institution since its establishment. This change in leadership follows the retirement of Dr. Jeffrey “Jody” Barnard, who has been at the helm for 37 years.
A path of experience and commitment
Dr. Dwyer, a Texas native with roots going back five generations in the state, brings a vast knowledge of forensic pathology to her new position. She joined the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office in 2017, where she has served in key roles, including staff medical examiner and, most recently, deputy chief medical examiner.
Her work at UT Southwestern Medical Center as an assistant professor in forensic pathology has also contributed to her standing in the field.
Outstanding academic background
In terms of her education, Dr. Dwyer holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University and earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
Her background includes a four-year residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where she honed her skills. Prior to assuming his new responsibility in Dallas, he worked for a year with the Allegheny County Coroner in Pittsburgh.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Dwyer has published in numerous medical journals and is a member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.
