Dr Philip Beh, forensic pathologist Age: 40.
Career path: I was born in Penang, but went to school in Kuala Lumpur. I came here in 1976 to study medicine at the University of Hong Kong. I was the first doctor in our family, but my two younger brothers have now become doctors. I graduated as a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1981, then specialised in pathology.
I studied with the Department of Health's Forensic Services Department. In 1985 and in 1988, I went to Guy's Hospital in London to do a postgraduate diploma in Forensic Medicine. When I came back here at the end of 1988, I worked for the Department of Health.
In 1995, I became a forensic pathologist at Queen Mary Hospital.
Philip's day: I live in Kennedy Road and start work about 8 am. Each day starts the same way: by law, I have to interview the family of the person who I will be dissecting that day and request their permission. I also need to get them to identify the body. It is the most unpleasant part of my job although I have got used to the shock, anger, grief and denial. It is often difficult to convince an elderly person their loved one needs to be cut up. Sometimes it is useful talking to the family because I can get additional information about the deceased.
Then I start work on the body and it usually takes all morning because it is slow and precise work. Towards lunchtime, I usually have autopsy results to show students. I grab a quick lunch box in my office and read newspapers on the Internet.