Doctor revolutionising forensic pathology education on TikTok

SOUTH African forensic pathologist Dr Yaseen Bismilla is changing the way people view medicine, death and forensic science — one TikTok video at a time.

- ZAMANDOSI CELE

Dr Jayantha Herath has developed a highly successful TikTok channel to teach forensic pathology.

With thousands of followers online, Dr Bismilla has built a platform that blends forensic education, humour and honest conversations about the realities of working in one of medicine’s most emotionally demanding fields. But behind the viral mortuary tours and relatable content is a doctor deeply passionate about justice, public education and giving a voice to victims.

“Forensic pathology is not really about death - it’s about truth, justice and giving a voice to people who no longer have one,” said Dr Bismilla.

The Johannesburg-based doctor revealed that although he was always fascinated by medicine, he was once terrified of death growing up.

“I was that child asking too many questions at family gatherings,” he said jokingly. “Somewhere during my medical journey, especially while working in trauma and at a rape crisis centre, I realised forensic pathology is about the human stories attached to unnatural deaths.”

Forensic pathology involves investigating unnatural or suspicious deaths, including murders, suicides, accidents and unexplained deaths.

According to Dr Bismilla, the work extends far beyond what viewers see on crime television shows.