Guam's Chief Medical Examiner Resigns, Prompting Government Commission to Explore Options

Guam's Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Jeffrey Nine, has announced his resignation effective May 17, 2024, leaving the government commission to consider various options to address the impending vacancy and the issue of undetermined deaths. The commission is evaluating a contract extension for Nine to work remotely, hiring off-island pathologists, and employing four death investigators to ensure continuity of medical examiner services.

Prior to Nine's appointment in November 2022, the Chief Medical Examiner position was vacant for nearly four years following the retirement of long-time CME Dr. Aurelio Espinola. The commission approved a motion to draft a modification and extension of Nine's contract, allowing him to work remotely as the interim CME while they search for a new one. Additionally, the commission discussed hiring certified medicolegal death investigators and authorizing four such positions to ensure 24-hour availability.

Why this matters: The resignation of Guam's Chief Medical Examiner highlights the challenges faced by the island in maintaining critical medical examiner services. The government commission's proactive approach to considering options and ensuring continuity demonstrates the importance of addressing this issue swiftly to prevent delays in determining causes of death and providing closure to families.

During the commission meeting, several options were proposed to address the vacancy and the workload. These include extending Dr. Nine's contract to allow him to work remotely, with the administrative assistant Johanna Bamba assuming the role of a death investigator, hiring off-island pathologists to assist with cases, and establishing four death investigator positions at the Chief Medical Examiner's office. The commission unanimously voted to authorize changes to Dr. Nine's contract for remote work, enter into a contract with Bamba as a death investigator, and approve the process to establish the four death investigator positions.

The commission is scheduled to meet again on May 9 to continue discussions on the approved motions and further explore the options to ensure the smooth operation of the Chief Medical Examiner's office. The resignation of Dr. Nine and the proactive measures taken by the government commission underscore the importance of having a reliable and efficient medical examiner system to serve the community and provide answers in cases of undetermined deaths.

Key Takeaways

• Guam's Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Jeffrey Nine, resigns effective May 2024.
• Commission evaluating options to address vacancy, including remote work, off-island pathologists, and death investigators.
• Commission approves contract extension for Nine to work remotely as interim CME.
• Commission authorizes four death investigator positions to ensure 24/7 coverage.
• Resignation highlights challenges in maintaining critical medical examiner services on the island.