Medical Examiner Submits Resignation

August 1, 2019

District One Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Andrea Minyard has submitted her resignation effective September 30.

She cited problems the office faces with understaffing and an inadequate, overcrowded facility.

State Attorney Bill Eddins says he has been completely satisfied with Minyard’s work.

Minyard has served the district that includes Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties for the past 14 years.

Photo courtesy WEAR 3.

Comments

3 Responses to “Medical Examiner Submits Resignation”

  1. Howie on August 2nd, 2019 3:02 pm

    In my opinion, the Counties should have honored Dr. Minyard’s salary request and a more roomy facility. That’s a lot of area to cover (4 counties). All the Counties should have put forth an effort to keep her at her job. Look where they are now – slipping in a hole if they don’t hire someone before she leaves.

    Anyone that can fulfill these requirements needs to apply for the position of Chief Medical Examiner.

    Essential Information:

    Medical examiners are medical doctors who perform autopsies, run clinical tests and act as expert witnesses in cases of undetermined or violent deaths. Becoming a medical examiner typically requires completing prerequisite undergraduate coursework, medical school, a pathology residency and a forensic pathology fellowship, all of which takes a total of around 12-14 years.

    Required Education:

    Bachelor’s degree (4 years)
    Medical degree (4 years) – Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.)
    Pathology residency (3-4 years)
    Forensic pathology fellowship (1-2 years)
    Licensure & Certification – State licensure required
    Board certification desired by most employers
    Other Requirements-Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits to maintain licensure

    Average Salary should compare to that annually for all physicians and surgeons

    *Before applying to medical school, students must first earn an undergraduate degree and complete pre-med prerequisites in chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, physics and mathematics.

    After completing medical school, individuals who want to become medical examiners require specific training that can be achieved through a residency program related to anatomic or forensic pathology.

    I wish I had the smarts and education to do this. Someone please step in – the 4 Counties need you.

  2. NativeTongue on August 1st, 2019 11:08 am

    The committee, 4 counties, and Mr. Eddins knew Ms. Minyard has wanted to leave for several months, if not a year.
    The four counties she’s worked for have shot their self in the foot by refusing to meet the salary demands of the position which have caused a shortage of applications from qualified candidates.

    Very few people WANT to be alone in a room at four am with dead bodies, investigating that cause of death…maybe compensate the few that do well instead of trying to pay them on a Wal-Mart budget.

  3. Deb on August 1st, 2019 10:27 am

    Dr. Minyard was an excellent asset to this community, she served as Chief Medical examiner with confidence and with genuine empathy for the families of the deceased. She was remarkable in her community service to the Healthy Start Coalition when it was a alive and active. She gave hours over many months and years to help prevent infant deaths. She will be missed by all who knew her and who are and remain ever thankful for her kindness in a time of great grief. Thank you Dr. Minyard for your service and kindness.