Forensic Pathologist Bennet Omalu, MD, whose professional life was highlighted on the big screen in the 2015 movie “Concussion,” has resigned from his post as San Joaquin County, California’s chief medical examiner, citing “intolerable interference” by Sheriff-Coroner Steve Moore. Benjy Egel, Anita Chabria and Ellen Garrison of the Sacramento Bee filed the original report.
Omalu is best known for his work on concussion-related brain injuries on football players and his in-depth research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy brain degeneration. He alleges Moore asked him to change his forensic findings beginning in 2008 on the manner of death in officer-involved cases. Omalu’s colleague, Susan Parson, MD has also resigned.
Both Omalu and Parson said the coroner’s office took months to complete routine paperwork and failed to provide basic information about deceased people, including circumstances surrounding their death and the location.
Omalu will continue serving the County until Mar. 5, 2018. Effective immediately, he will no longer perform autopsies and will focus on pending cases during his remaining time at the county.
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As a senior news writer for TriMed, Subrata covers cardiology, clinical innovation and healthcare business. She has a master’s degree in communication management and 12 years of experience in journalism and public relations.