Detroit Welcomes New Chief to Medical Examiner’s Office
Detroit residents have something to cheer about as the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office names Dr. LokMan Sung as the new chief. His appointment comes officially today, and many are excited about the changes he’s been implementing since stepping in as interim chief back in September 2022.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Sung has made it clear that his priority lies in providing critical services to families facing the difficult task of dealing with the loss of loved ones. In a recent press release, he stated, “My goal is to continue providing those services with the highest professional standards, and the greatest compassion and respect the residents of our community deserve while we continue to improve.”
It’s refreshing to see someone in such an important role emphasizing both professionalism and compassion. The office is known to handle some serious aspects of life and death, and having a leader who understands the weight of these responsibilities is essential.
Impressive Improvements Under His Leadership
Since Dr. Sung took on the interim role, there have been significant positive shifts observed in the Medical Examiner’s Office. The improvements came after a 65-page review by the Michigan Office of the Auditor General, which highlighted various troubling issues within the office, such as:
- Ineffective heating and cooling systems
- Structural repairs that were long overdue
- Staffing shortages with only seven out of eleven required pathologists in place
This review prompted the county to contract with the Wayne State University School of Medicine, effectively leading to these ongoing improvements. It’s a move that many believe is essential for the medical examiner’s office to function better, especially since it ranks as the fourth largest in the United States by the volume of deaths and autopsies conducted.
What is the Scale of Operations?
To give you an idea of what this office handles, the numbers are quite staggering. More than 18,000 deaths are reported to the office each year, with around 3,500 decedents going through further investigation. In total, they conduct about 2,500 autopsies each year! That’s not only a hefty workload but also a crucial service to families looking for answers.
Financial Aspects
For those curious about what this role brings financially, job postings indicate that Dr. Sung could be earning between $350,000 and $425,000 annually. That’s certainly a competitive salary showing the importance of the position.
Experienced Leadership
Dr. Sung is certainly no stranger to the Medical Examiner’s Office, having joined in 2008. He has held numerous roles including deputy chief medical examiner and physician autopsy room supervisor. His extensive background and experience appear to make him well-equipped for the responsibilities that come with being the chief. Plus, he’s not just an administrator; he remains a clinical associate professor of pathology at Wayne State, linking education with practical application.
Community Support
His commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. Wayne County executive, Warren C. Evans, expressed his confidence in Dr. Sung, stating, “Dr. Sung’s commitment to excellence, his dedication to forensic pathology, and his compassion for the people and families he serves are traits that we value – traits that uphold the tenets of our justice system.”
Looking Ahead
With Dr. Sung at the helm, the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office seems to be heading towards a brighter future filled with focused improvements. For families in Detroit and beyond, having a reliable and compassionate leader at this crucial office is, without a doubt, a step in the right direction.
