The chief responsibility of the coroner is to determine the cause of death in cases involving violence, casualty, unexplained or suspicious circumstances or when the person has been found dead. When notified of a death under any of the above circumstances, the coroner must alert and obtain the investigative assistance of the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the area.When the coroner determines the cause of death, the law requires the coroner to file a death certificate of his or her findings with the local health officer. If an autopsy is necessary, the coroner must employ a qualified pathologist to conduct it. Additional reports of the cause of death may be filed with the clerk of the circuit court.Term: 4 years -- 2 terms or 8 years of service in a period of 12 yearsSalary: $60,540 per year ($40,360 base rate with increase of $20,180 due to status as physician)for more information, visit the Indiana State Coroners Training Board website
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Campaign Phone
(812)2895223
Education
Spelman College; Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine School; Loyola/Midwestern University Surgery program; St. Joseph's Laparoscopic Fellowship; eCornell
Occupational history and current position
Myers Surgical Associates Surgeon 9/21 - present; Regional Health Surgeon: 4/19 - 8/21; Board of Advisors, Wabash Valley Breast Cancer Survivors; National Board of Governor NBOME; Terre Haute Chamber Board Member, Minority Health Affair Board Member
Other public or political offices held, and when
Vigo County Coroner 1/1/21 to present
Other past candidacy for public office
n/a
As the current Vigo County Coroner, I bring a unique level of qualification and experience to the role. I am the sole candidate who holds a certification as a Medicolegal Death Investigator (MDI). For the past 35 years, Vigo County has benefitted from having a physician Coroner, and for good reason. This approach has resulted in substantial savings totaling over $50,000 a year in autopsy fees alone. By using medical expertise to assess the need for an autopsy we're insuring both good efficiency and utilization of our county resources. Making sure accurate determination of the cause of death is occurring i.e., no one is getting away with murder.
As previously stated, I am the sole candidate with Medicolegal Death Certification (forensic training), setting me apart from the other candidates. While none of us are forensic pathologists responsible for autopsies, as the current Vigo County Coroner I am exposed to many autopsy procedures. This aids me in the determination of the cause and manner of death. Additionally, my early medical career included a month-long training in forensic practices at an Atlanta morgue further adding to my expertise in this area.
Our primary challenge lies in upholding the exceptional standards established by formal coroners Drs. Kohr and Amos, who sent the bar remarkably high. As the current Vigo county coroner, I have sustained these standards over the past three years by implanting office improvements. This including collaborating with other officials to secure approval for the new county morgue. Additionally, recognizing the surge in deaths related to mental health issues, I initiated efforts to provide support and information for those grieving the loss of a loved one. This proactive approach aims to prevent further tragedies in the future. I believe such initiatives may not have been considered by someone without medical expertise.
Following this successful acquisition of the new county morgue, our next significant operational step is transition to electronic records, which is already underway....
Regarding our team, I'm fortunate to lead a group of highly talented and respected individuals. Among the 92 counties, our office is distinguished for upholding the highest standards and earning widespread respect. Our team operates seamlessly and exemplifies the essence of effective teamwork. Our average, each team member has dedicated 16 years of service to the office, highlighting their commitment and expertise.
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