Dr. G, whose full name is Dr. Jan Garavaglia, is best known as the Chief Medical Examiner and the compelling star of the widely popular Discovery Health Channel series Dr. G: Medical Examiner. Her work on the show brought forensic pathology into the spotlight, making her a household name. Over the years, Dr. G has shared her medical expertise across numerous television platforms, appearing as a guest expert on high-profile programs such as Larry King Live and The Oprah Winfrey Show, where she discussed real-life cases and demystified the science behind autopsies.
Before rising to fame, Dr. G followed a disciplined academic path. She graduated from Lindbergh High School in 1974, laying the foundation for her future career in medicine. Driven by her passion for science and healing, she went on to earn her medical degree from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri—a significant milestone that set her on the path to becoming a respected medical professional.
On a personal note, Dr. G married her second husband, Dr. Mark Wallace, in 2007, forming a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared professional values. From a previous marriage, she is the proud mother of two children, balancing her demanding career with family life. Through it all, Dr. G has remained a prominent figure in both the medical and television worlds, using her platform to educate and inform the public—proving that dedication, intelligence, and authenticity can truly make a difference.
She drew from her time as a medical examiner when writing her 2008 book, How Not to Die, and really leaned into the firsthand knowledge she’d gained. She knew the ins and outs of cause of death, and that expertise gave her writing an authentic edge. She wanted to share what she had seen and learned, so she crafted the book in a way that reflected her real-world experience. She made sure every chapter resonated with the kind of insight only someone in her position could offer. She didn’t just write from theory—she wrote from practice, and that made all the difference.