Five ways a person can avoid an autopsy:

• Don't die. (Easier said than done.)
• Don't die of homicide, suicide, accident or surgery.
• Don't die under suspicious circumstances or in custody.
• Don't die interstate or overseas.
• Don't die suddenly and unexpectedly from apparently natural causes.

Ever wondered what really goes on in the autopsy room? Dr Meryl Broughton was a medical examiner for many years and in her time performed countless autopsies for the coroner. What she learnt during her time bent over the stainless steel bench, peeling back layers of skin and examining vital organs, is truly astounding.

During her stint as a regional medical examiner Meryl Broughton was able to provide answers to many families who had a loved one die unexpectedly. Often what was thought to be the cause of death turned out to be just the tip of the ice burg. Frequently the cause of death turned out to be something very different to what was first thought.

Occasionally an autopsy revealed something utterly unexpected and amazing. Combining her extensive knowledge of the human body with her fascinating real life autopsy cases, Meryl examines the nuances and mysteries of death from a completely unique viewpoint, and outlines the lessons that can be learnt from death which will help us all in life.