Thomas Rudd: Candidate Profile

Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioKey IssuesQA Bio City: Lake ForestWebsite: http://drtomruddforcoronerOffice sought: Lake CoronerAge: 66Family: Wife: Mary M. RuddOccupation: Licensed Physician and Surgeon in the state of Illinois. Board certified in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology and Nuclear MedicineEducation: BS in Psychology from Loyola University MS in Microbiology from Loyola University. MD from University of IllinoisCivic involvement: Democratic Precinct Committeeman in Lake County Democratic candidate for the North Shore Sanitary District of Lake County Worked for the Democratic Party of Chicago as a physician in charge of exams for absentee voters.Elected offices held: noneHave you ever been arrested for or convicted of a crime? If yes, please explain: noCandidate's Key Issues Key Issue 1 Insuring that every death investigation is based on competent scientific medical expertise and eliminating the hint of conflict of interest in any and all death investigation cases.Key Issue 2 Developing effective communication and prompt feed back for all stakeholders while balancing strategic resources with the mission of the coroner's office and its budgetKey Issue 3 The coroner's office is an anatomic pathology laboratory and as such should meet national standards of practice. Therefore, we will attempt to obtain certification from the National Association of Medical Examiners. Likewise we expect the deputy coroners to obtain licenser from the American board of Medical-Legal Death Investigators.Questions Answers Do you have the temperament to do this job and interact with the public in times of public emergency or personal grief? Please explain.I have been a physician for over 33 years of practice dealing with thousands of patients and families. I have made thousands of diagnoses on patients, discussed the disease with them and their families and even performed autopsies of some of them and communicated the findings to their family. In the area of Nuclear Medicine I have treated patients with cancer.Why are you more qualified than your opponent for the job?I have been a physician for over 33 years and have the skill and knowledge of being a medical expert in the cause and effect of diseases. I have counseled thousands of patients and their families regarding health, disease and death.Should the coroner?s office exist, or should the county adopt a medical examiner system? Why or why not?A Medical Examiner is the best way to operate this office. Every major city in this country has a Medical Examiner's office. And it should be an appointed office to obtain the best candidate.What, if any, new ethics-related rules are needed for the coroner?s office?The coroner's office has been operating as an extension of law enforcement and this can present conflicts of interests. I intend to make the office non-political and neutral in its investigation. The office will be cordial and collegial but impartial with other death investigation organizations of the county.Does the coroner need to be a medical doctor? Why or why not? Please explain in detail.Obviously yes. My experience as a medical doctor specializing in pathology, nuclear medicine and medical microbiology, as well as an administrator with organizational skill and business management, will provide excellence in the operation of the office. No other candidate has this background.