Delaware County has named Dr. Albert Chu as its new chief medical examiner, and with him comes future plans for a new state-of-the-art facility in a new location to replace the county’s aging building.

Dr. Albert Chu was appointed last week by Delaware County Council.

A new facility would allow the medical examiner’s office to apply for accreditation by the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME).

“Accreditation by NAME would be tangible recognition that we are successfully providing the highest quality of medicolegal death investigation for the County,” said Dr. Chu.

The Medical Examiner conducts expert investigations into deaths as required by law and shares his findings with the public and agencies to improve public safety and health.

“The ultimate goal is to create a Medical Examiner’s office that optimally serves our stakeholders – including family members, funeral homes, organ procurement organizations, law enforcement, attorneys, courts, hospitals, educational institutions, and public health agencies – by means of employing best practices and utilizing up-to-date technology, “said Dr. Chu.

He will lead the Medical Examiner’s office and its departments, including Administration, Autopsy, Evidence, Forensic Investigation, and Morgue Operations.

Dr. Chu completed undergraduate and graduate studies at the Johns Hopkins University.

He received his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

He completed a residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and a fellowship in Forensic Pathology at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland.

He has served as an assistant medical examiner at the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston, Texas, and as deputy chief medical examiner for the City of Philadelphia. 

Other goals include addressing staffing issues, training new and current employees, and standardizing and optimizing best work practices.

Find out more about the Delaware County Medical Examiner’s Office.