fierro decided to pursue a doctor of medicine in forensic pathology at the state of university of new york at buffalo school of medicine after she graduated cum laude in biology from d’youville college in buffalo, new york in 1962. after earning her degree in 1966, dr. fierro pursued an internship and residency at ottawa civic hospital in ontario, canada followed by residencies in pathology at the cleveland (ohio) clinic educational foundation and at virginia commonwealth university. fierro became chief resident in pathology at the virginia commonwealth university and held a fellowship in forensic pathology in the department of legal medicine at the medical college of virginia/virginia commonwealth university in richmond from 1973 to 1974. after receiving board of certification in anatomic,clinical and forensic pathology, dr. fierro acquired the title of chief medical examiner of virginia, the state’s highest position in forensic science, in 1994.