Medical Examiner takes the lead

Imagine being able to combine your passion for science and the challenge of solving mysteries. Now imagine being able to do that for 45 years. Meet George W. Hime, assistant director of toxicology at the Medical Examiner (ME).

Hime joined the Medical Examiner’s Office in 1979. This was a time of significant change and social unrest in South Florida. He was part of a group leading the way for many others across the nation.

“When I started, I was learning from the best," Hime explained. In many ways, I felt like a giant sponge absorbing knowledge. Doctor Joe Davis was the Dade County Medical Examiner and South Florida was dealing with cocaine, the Mariel Boatlift and other super-charged influences that had the ME in the middle of everything, working to find ways of testing and determining cause of death.”

“I was here when funding became available for a new building and involved in the design of the lab. When I became a supervisor in the 90’s, our team was developing instrumentation and technology that was helping others. We made a lot of progress.”

In the 2000’s, new drugs and people abusing them challenged the ME to once more look for new methodologies. As assistant director, Hime was able to secure millions in federal grants to fund new equipment and updates to the facilities. In 2012, the ME received accreditation by the American Board of Forensic Toxicology.

“I have worked with a young group of scientists who take real pride in their work. Building and growing our lab has been essential to establishing this Medical Examiner’s Office as a leader in forensic science. Gaining accreditation and building our reputation has been a labor of love,” Hime added.

The ME’s Office has also been recognized by the International Standards Organization (ISO). This requires publishing articles and developing and maintaining the highest protocols and procedures.

“As a man of science, I am intrigued by the investigative nature of the work we do here. Understanding the causes and manner of death are not always simple or straightforward. I find revealing the truth very rewarding,” Hime said.

“The ME’s Office is independent of law enforcement. We have a role in speaking for the dead by analyzing evidence and using science to demonstrate the truth.”

“Sometimes, our work and the information we uncover will lead to changes in the law, public health practices and can also lead to new discoveries. To list a few examples consider motorcycle safety, the way pool filters are configured, padding added to highway junctions that prevent instant death.”

“Today, people from all over the world come to train here,” said Hime. “I set out to complete the mission I started 45 years ago with Dr. Davis. I’m forever grateful for all the dedicated people who have contributed with their own passion and dedication to make us one of the best ME Offices anywhere. Every day I come to work, I’m guaranteed an incredible experience and possibly another mystery to solve.”

When not at work, Hime enjoys traveling with his wife. He plans to visit Russia, where his wife is from, and return to Florence, Italy soon.

“Still lots of places to see,” Hime said. Surely there will be more mysteries to solve with science.