DHSS Press Release |
Date: November 6, 2006 DHSS-107-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW SOUTHERN OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER
BUILDING NAMED IN HONOR OF JUDITH G. TOBIN, MD
Delaware - On Saturday November 4th the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner held a special naming dedication ceremony for the new southern office of the Chief Medical Examiner Building in honor of a woman to whom the state of Delaware is truly grateful for her lifetime of service — Dr. Judith G. Tobin. Dr. Richard T. Callery, Chief Medical Examiner and Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary, Delaware Health and Social Services, along with many others revealed the news to an unsuspecting Dr. Tobin, whose family flew in from all over the country to join her for the honor.
"After 42 years of serving the Medical Examiner's Office, Dr. Tobin may not be a household word to fellow Delawareans. But we hope to change that today by naming this structure after her," said Sercrtary Meconi. "Congratulations again, Dr. Tobin."
In 1960, Dr. Tobin was approached to serve as Deputy Medical Examiner for the Board of Post Mortem Examiners of Sussex County. Dr. Tobin's career began at the Stockley Center. In 1964, Dr. Tobin became the State's Assistant Medical Examiner for Kent and Sussex Counties, a position she has held ever since. For those of you who have forgotten, back in 1964 Lyndon Johnson was president, the Beatles were America's favorite musical group, Jeopardy aired its first episode on TV, and the Baltimore Colts narrowly lost the NFL championship. Lyndon Johnson, the Beatles, and the Baltimore Colts are now long gone, but Jeopardy and Dr. Tobin are still going strong!
During her tenure, Dr. Tobin has been involved in many high profile cases. In 1970, her beloved husband died, leaving Dr. Tobin with a life that became very demanding. She was a single parent with a professional career and the responsibility for raising six children. But she succeeded beyond all measure, and in 1984 Dr. Tobin was recognized as the "Mother of the Year" for the State of Delaware, an honor she truly deserved.
Over the course of her career, Dr. Tobin has held numerous health related positions at the Delaware Division of the American Cancer Society, the Delaware Institute of Medical Education and Research and the Blood Bank of Delaware. Dr. Tobin is the only woman ever to be named President of the Medical Staff at the Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, holding this position on 2 separate occasions: from 1971-1974 and 1976-1978. Dr. Tobin has been recognized on many occasions for her generous service to the public and private sectors.
"Delaware's Medical Examiner's Office and the forensic drug testing laboratory is a national leader when it comes to excellence in state-of-the art forensic drug testing procedures and services," said Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary, Delaware Health and Social Services. "The professional, detailed and comprehensive forensic reports prepared by the medical and support staff assigned to the statewide drug testing laboratory provide police and prosecutors with precise pathology information crucial to solving crime and assisting victims' families to obtain closure. I am extremely proud of the work spearheaded by Dr. Richard T. Callery and the entire staff of the Medical Examiner's Office and encourage the public will join us as we name the new office in honor of one of Delaware greatest public servants."
The Medical examiner's office is one of just 52 other medicolegal death investigation systems/jurisdictions in the country that holds national accreditation the National Association of State Medical Examiners. The accreditation recognizes the high standards and results accomplished by the State Medical Examiner's Office and the forensic laboratory in determining cause and manner of death in complex investigations involving forensic, toxicological and pathology test procedures.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
