San Diego County has appointed Dr. Jonathan Lucas as its next chief medical examiner, it was announced Friday.
Lucas will lead the county department charged with investigating all sudden, unexpected or unnatural deaths. The chief medical examiner is appointed by the county’s chief administrative officer and operates independently from law enforcement.
“It is an honor to assume the role of chief medical examiner,” Lucas said. “I am committed to continuing the department’s legacy of scientific excellence, integrity, transparency and service to the community.”
He succeeds Dr. Steven Campman, who is retiring after 24 years of service, including the last four years in the top role.
Lucas previously held leadership roles at both the San Diego and Los Angeles county medical examiner’s offices. From 2017 to 2022, he served as chief medical examiner-coroner for Los Angeles County, returning to San Diego in 2022 as chief deputy medical examiner.
“Dr. Lucas brings a depth of expertise and leadership that makes him exceptionally well-suited for this role,” said Andrew Strong, deputy chief administrative officer. “His experience in both San Diego and Los Angeles Counties, along with his focus on innovation, training and public health, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to strengthen the work of the medical examiner’s office.”
Lucas has participated in regional task forces focused on substance use and the opioid epidemic and worked collaboratively with community partners to monitor trends in deaths related to intoxication and injury, according to a county statement.
Over his career, he has performed or supervised nearly 5,000 autopsies, responded to numerous death scenes and provided expert testimony in both criminal and civil proceedings.
He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from UC Riverside and his medical degree from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. Lucas completed his residency in anatomic and clinical pathology at UCLA Medical Center and his fellowship training in forensic pathology at the office of chief medical examiner in New York City.
He began his career with the San Diego County in 2001 and was promoted to chief deputy in 2011.
San Diego County changed from a coroner to a medical examiner system in 1990.
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