Cook County Chief Medical Examiner Appointed President of National Association of Medical Examiners

Cook County’s Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Ponni Arunkumar was appointed president of the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) this week at the organization’s annual conference. 

The appointment is a recognition of Dr. Arunkumar’s leadership at the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office (MEO) as well as NAME. She oversaw MEO operations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Arunkumar has played an instrumental role in implementing new policies and procedures and shaping the culture of the office while upgrading operations and technology.  

“Dr. Arunkumar has effectively led the Medical Examiner’s Office through immense challenges and unprecedented caseloads since 2016,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “I am confident her knowledge and experience will be critical assets as she takes on this leadership role at the National Association of Medical Examiners, helping to ensure continued excellence in this demanding field.” 

Dr. Arunkumar most recently served as vice president of NAME and has also sat on the organizatrion’s board of directors. NAME is the national professional organization of medical examiners, medicolegal death investigators and death investigation system administrators. As president, Dr. Arunkumar will focus on increasing NAME’s exposure to future forensic pathologists.

The MEO holds full accreditation from NAME as well as ISO 17025 for forensic testing and laboratory calibration and ISO 17020 for bodies of forensic inspection. 

Under her stewardship, the MEO has been recognized for multiple programs and initiatives by the National Association of Counties and by Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network. 

The MEO hosts Missing Persons Day annually to help individuals searching for their missing loved ones. The office also works in partnership with the Archdiocese of Chicago to ensure all decedents under the Office’s care receive a dignified burial. The MEO partners with public health agencies, law enforcement and other stakeholders, sharing critical data to help prevent avoidable deaths.  

Dr. Arunkumar’s tenure with the MEO began in 2003, when she was hired as a fellow pathologist. She rose within the ranks of the Office, from assistant medical examiner to her appointment as deputy chief medical examiner in 2012 and finally chief medical examiner in 2016. She is board certified in anatomic and clinical pathology and in forensic pathology.