Florida doctor chosen as medical examiner

A nationwide search for the city's next medical examiner ended yesterday with the selection of Sam P. Gulino, a Tampa doctor with impressive credentials and extensive expertise in child-abuse deaths.

In mid-April, Gulino, 40, will take control of an office that investigates more than 5,000 deaths a year, including all homicides, suicides and other suspicious deaths. The office also provides positive identification of all decedents, preparation of autopsy reports for the criminal justice system, expert testimony in court, notification of next of kin, and grief assistance for family members.

Gulino said he wants to make Philadelphia a national model for how a medical examiner can help improve the public-health system.

"Everyone thinks of medical examiners in terms of dealing with deceased bodies, but in an ideal situation, your investigations can serve as a really useful tool as to how preventable deaths can be avoided," Gulino said in a phone interview.

In Tampa, for instance, medical examiner findings on accidental child drowning deaths pointed to a need for new statutes mandating fencing around swimming pools, Gulino said.

He will be well-compensated for his work: $225,916 a year, far more than either Mayor Nutter or Gov. Rendell.

"They are well-paid because there are very few of them, and it's very hard to find good people," said Philadelphia's deputy mayor for health, Donald Schwartz.

Schwartz estimated there were no more than 250 certified medical examiners nationwide, and said Gulino's salary was in line with those in other cities.

"His background will . . . strengthen our ability to learn from data to prevent tragedies and contribute to the well-being of Philadelphians," Schwartz said.

The medical-examiner post had been filled on an acting basis by deputy medical examiner Ian Hood for nearly a year.

Gulino, currently the deputy medical examiner of Hillsborough County, earned his bachelor of science and medical degrees from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago. He performed his residency at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, Minn., and his fellowship in forensic pathology at the Dade County Medical Examiner Department in Miami.

Gulino has also served in coroner and medical examiner's offices in Rochester, Minn.; Kansas City, Mo.; and Leesburg, Fla.