A doctor, not a vet, for coroner

Published 1:44 pm Friday, October 15, 2010

Get it Straight: Coroner candidate Paul Thompson is first an MD or medical doctor with a specialty in opthamology. That clinical specialty is very different than the practice of optometry, which is done by a non-physician.

By the way, he is a “younger retiree.” Keep in mind, you do not keep that MD without staying current and with ongoing continuing education in the practice of medicine as well as his specialty. I do not question his education or bravery in being a medical first responder when terrorists bombed the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, killing and injuring American Marines.

Currently, the coroner, Robert Bishop, engages in the practice of veterinary medicine, a practice with animals. A dog lover and owner of three purebred dogs, it would be my choice to take the dogs to a veterinarian should a need arise. Should a loved one, or even myself die under questionable circumstances, I would want someone with medical training in human anatomy and human diseases and illness to be the investigator, not a veterinarian.

Island County has not had a medical doctor as coroner. I think it is time to look closely at Paul Thompson, his medical education and advanced training in areas of forensic and pathology related medicine, and cast your vote.

While canvassing and doorbelling, I ran across a deputy sheriff, who when told about Paul and his background, stated “a medical doctor can make a big difference in a case (criminal).”

Look closely and vote wisely.

Mary F. Hughes, RN,

Camano Island