This presentation explores the toxicology of methamphetamine, its prevalence in Iowa, and its impact on the body. Using case-based insights from toxicology and death investigation, it explains how methamphetamine use can progress to overdose and fatal outcomes.

Learning Objectives:
Participants will:

1. Describe methamphetamine, including what it is and how it is used;
2. Explain the physiological effects of methamphetamine on the body;
3. Identify how methamphetamine leads to overdose and death.

Dr. Kelly Kruse, MD, MPH
Associate State Medical Examiner, Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner

Bio: Dr. Kelly Kruse is an Associate State Medical Examiner at the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner. She is board certified in anatomic, clinical, and forensic pathology, a fellow of the National Association of Medical Examiners, and a board member of the Iowa Association of County Medical Examiners. She has been a Medical Examiner for the state of Iowa since 2018.

Justin Grodnitzky, PhD, F-ABFT
Criminalist, Iowa DCI Criminalistic Laboratory

Bio: Justin Grodnitzky possesses a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from the Southwest State University in Marshall, MN. After college, he went on to get an M.S. and Ph.D. in Toxicology and Physiology from Iowa State University. After his PhD, Justin did his Postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), in Bethesda, MD. Justin began working with the Iowa DCI Criminalists Laboratory in June 2007 as a Criminalist in the Toxicology section. Justin is currently the Technical Leader of the Toxicology Section. He holds board certification as a Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (F- ABFT).