"That made me think I could contribute more to society by looking at people on the autopsy table and feeding back the findings so that lots of people could benefit, rather than just treating patients one at a time"

In this quote, Michael Baden communicates a shift in his expert point of view, highlighting how he perceives the more comprehensive impact of his work in forensic pathology compared to medical medication. Baden, a prominent forensic pathologist, appears to reveal a realization that his contributions to society can be amplified through the practice of autopsies instead of through direct patient care.

Initially, Baden may have been driven by the traditional doctor-patient relationship, where the focus is on detecting and dealing with one patient at a time. This standard kind of medical practice is direct and personal, impacting people on a case-by-case basis. However, Baden suggests a pivotal moment of reflection that made him reassess where his efforts might have a larger social effect.

By "looking at individuals on the autopsy table and feeding back the findings", Baden implies that conducting autopsies permits the extraction of important information important to public health and safety. Each autopsy can yield important insights into causes of death, potential public health risks, or even systemic problems within health care or society itself. This info can then be shared more widely, benefiting a more comprehensive spectrum of the population through enhanced medical practices, policy changes, or preventive steps.

Baden's words recommend a shift from a micro-level effect-- treating private clients-- to a macro-level contribution through forensic work. It reflects a choice to engage in a field where one's findings can inform legislation, enhance public health reactions, and add to the pursuit of justice. By influencing how societal systems run, particularly in terms of health and wellness, Baden's work on the autopsy table ends up being an avenue for societal betterment, affecting more lives than through private medical treatment alone. The quote highlights an extensive appreciation for the causal sequence that forensic pathology can have on society.