BJ Magnani’s fascination with toxicology led her to a career in pathology and laboratory medicine. She is currently Professor of Anatomic and Clinical Pathology Emerita at Tufts University School of Medicine and writes the Dr. Lily Robinson series about a poison-savvy physician recruited by the U.S. government as an assassin. 

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Before becoming a full-time author, Barbarajean (BJ) Magnani, PhD, MD, FCAP was the former Chair of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Tufts Medical Center and at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and served as the Chair of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) Toxicology Committee.

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Dr. Magnani, internationally recognized for her expertise in clinical chemistry and toxicology, has been named a Top Doctor in Boston magazine and has received recognition from Castle Connelly for Exceptional Women in Medicine. She was also named one of the Top 100 Most Influential Laboratory Medicine Professionals in the World by “The Pathologist.”

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Dr. Magnani has presented numerous workshops and seminars and has received three Outstanding Speaker Awards from the Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), as well as a Recognition Award for Significant Service from the Massachusetts Poison Control Systems in Boston. In addition Dr. Magnani received the 2012 Outstanding Communicator Award, the 2014 Distinguished Patient Care Award, and the 2014 Gene and Jean Herbek Humanitarian Award from the College of American Pathologists (CAP)/CAP Foundation, the leading organization for board-certified pathologists.

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The Distinguished Career in Teaching Award from Tufts University School of Medicine was given to Dr. Magnani in 2019, and the Tufts Physician Organization created an annual award, in the name of Dr. Barbarajean Magnani, to recognize a woman physician who demonstrates institutional impact and leadership. In 2024, Dr. Magnani recieved the Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Alumni Spotlight Award from Hofstra University. "The award recognizes alumni who have achieved distinction through leadership, excellence and innovation in their respective fields."

Dr. Magnani has served as the member-at-large of the TDM and Toxicology Division of the AACC, and as an editor of Clinical and Forensic Toxicology News. She also served as a member of the Council on Scientific Affairs for the CAP. In addition to her works of fiction, she is the editor of The Clinical Toxicology Laboratory: Contemporary Practice of Poisoning Evaluation, 1st and 2nd edition (AACC Press) and Clinical Toxicology Testing: A Guide for Laboratory Professionals, 1st and 2nd edition (CAP Press).

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