After several years of living in warm weather, Denver’s new medical examiner is ready for snow and gunshot wounds.
Dr. Robert E. Whitmore has begun his new job as chief medical examiner for the city and county of Denver after working for two years in Florida and four years in San Diego.
“Snow is not going to be a shock to me,” Whitmore said. “In fact, I kind of welcome it. I’ve had my share of sun.”
The Medical Examiner’s Office in Denver investigates more than 5,000 unattended and suspicious deaths every year. As chief medical examiner, Whitmore will decide what caused a person’s death.
Whitmore said he has a special interest in investigating deaths due to gunshot wounds. He’s also intrigued by homicides in general.
“Every forensic pathologist has his or her personal interests,” he said.
As of Wednesday, Denver has had 54 homicides this year compared with 58 at the same time last year, said Denver police spokesman Sonny Jackson. The total number of homicides for 2005 was 63.
Whitmore was district medical examiner in Brevard County, Fla., for the past two years. Before that, Whitmore was a deputy medical examiner in San Diego County from 1999 to 2004.
“Dr. Whitmore brings a wealth of experience to the position and will continue a tradition of excellence at the Medical Examiner’s Office,” said Nancy Severson, manager of the city Department of Environmental Health.
Whitmore takes over for Dr. Thomas Henry, who retired in June after 15 years as Denver’s chief medical examiner.
“I grew up in Utah and so did my wife, and we love the mountains,” Whitmore said of his decision to work in Denver. “Also, I have two daughters who live here.”
Whitmore said he intends to “soak up” the job and learn the office before he makes any changes.
The doctor studied psychiatry before he decided to become a pathologist.
He received his undergraduate degree from a college in Utah, then went to medical school at St. Louis University.
Whitmore completed his forensic pathology fellowship training in San Diego. He is board certified in anatomic and forensic pathology.
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-954-1219 or fcardona@denverpost.com.
