NYC Mayor Eric Adams Appoints Dr. Jason Graham as Chief Medical Examiner

On April 20, 2022, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Jason Graham, MD as New York City’s Chief Medical Examiner. A board-certified forensic pathologist with expertise in multi-fatality incident management and the investigation of opioid overdose deaths, Dr. Graham served as acting chief medical examiner since December 2021. He previously served as first deputy chief medical examiner, the second highest leadership position within OCME, since 2013. He joined the agency in 2006, also serving as deputy chief medical examiner for Manhattan.

As chief medical examiner, Dr. Graham oversees independent investigations into suspicious and untimely deaths across the five boroughs; the operations of five advanced forensic science laboratories, including the largest public DNA crime laboratory in the nation; and mass fatality incidents.

The Jewish community is unfortunately no stranger to disaster or tragedy. In the event of an untimely or tragic death, the medical examiner’s office is called to the scene. The deceased are then placed in the custody of the medical examiner, where the deaths are fully investigated prior to releasing the bodies for burial. This poses a two-fold problem for the Jewish community; custom dictates burial of the deceased without delay, as well as problems related to autopsies. Misaskim works hand in hand with the medical examiner’s office almost daily to ensure proper kavod hames. Dr. Graham has been an integral partner to the Jewish community and other communities over the past decade, and has displayed great sensitivity and empathy through difficult times.

“Dr. Jason Graham is a man of great integrity,” said Yankie Meyer, president and CEO, Misaskim. “I have known Dr. Graham for many years and have always been impressed by his sensitivity and attentiveness to family members of all faiths during their time of need. Dr. Graham’s appointment to chief medical examiner for New York City will take the OCME to greater heights while ensuring all New Yorkers are equally cared for in their most trying time. I look forward to working with Dr. Graham on this continued mission.”