|
|
       |
  |
     |
 |
|
 |
|
|
Dr. Bruce Levy's
Opening Speech Thank you and welcome! Today is an exciting day! Tennessee finally has its first state medical examiner’s office. It has been a long time coming. Dr. Jerry Francisco, former State and Shelby County Medical Examiner had a vision of a medical examiner system that would provide superior forensic pathology services throughout our state. This vision has been adopted and moved forward by many people over the years. One of those persons is our State Health Commissioner, Dr. Fredia Wadley, without whom this building would not be here today. Regional forensic centers in Memphis, Knoxville and Johnson City serve the citizens of their respective regions with great success. Middle Tennessee now has available a similar resource, and the State Medical Examiner a permanent home. The general public has a growing interest in and knowledge of forensics. The medical examiner’s participation in the criminal justice system is universally known. In contrast, our role as the final and ultimate protector of the public’s health is a well-kept secret. This Center for Forensic Medicine physically sits between the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation headquarters and State Health Department facilities, much as our function overlaps these two important government functions. With this state-of-the-art facility we will be able to fulfill both of these great responsibilities and more. This building also represents a cooperative effort between different levels of government. Both Tennessee and Metro had a need for a forensic facility, yet it clearly did not make sense to build two such buildings in Nashville. This realization culminated in an agreement to share in the construction and operation of the building standing before you. We hope that this union will prosper and grow in the years ahead. As you enter the public lobby of this building, you will see a quote from Giovanni Morgagni, a physician from the 18th century, who originated the anatomical concept of human disease. An English translation, along with the original Latin, is provided for those of us, myself included, who are not students of Latin. It reads, “Let conversation cease, let laughter flee. This is the place where death rejoices to help the living.” Working with death, especially when it is sudden, violent or unexpected can be very sobering. The families and friends of the deceased are traumatized by their tragic loss in ways most of us cannot hope to understand. The answers we are able to provide through our work can assist those left behind to understand and achieve closure. The people who we have lost can rejoice that the loved ones they have left have been helped. Being able to fulfill this sacred obligation makes our work extremely rewarding. Unlike many similar facilities throughout our state and country, this Center for Forensic Medicine is unique in its appearance. Many have already remarked that it doesn’t look like a morgue, typically thought of as a windowless and lifeless place best kept in basements out of sight and mind. This building, however, will be a place that honors our lost loved ones while it also celebrates life. That is due to the extraordinary people with whom I am honored to share my work. Those of us who will staff this facility certainly have one of the most difficult jobs there is. My coworkers fulfill this awesome responsibility with dedication, compassion and style. The life that they bring to this most serious of places is a tribute to their humanity. Even after these many years, I am still humbled by it. These people, my staff, will be scattered throughout the building today to assist you as you tour the building. Please do not forget to thank them for this thankless task they perform. As we open the State of Tennessee Center for Forensic Medicine and the new Metro Medical Examiner’s Office we rededicate ourselves to rise to the challenges and the opportunities that this new building provides us all. Thank you!
|
|
 |
Our Company
| Services | In the
News | Statistics |
Virtual Tour
| FAQ's
| Our Staff - Nashville |
