Macomb County is set to break new ground as Dr. Mary E. Pietrangelo steps up to become its first female chief medical examiner, following the resignation of former chief Daniel Spitz last year, reports the Detroit Free Press. Pietrangelo, who was the deputy medical examiner in both Macomb and St. Clair counties since 2012, is expected to take the helm after leaving Spitz’s pathology group last October.
County Executive Mark Hackel praised Pietrangelo in a statement, saying that her "experience and dedication to forensic pathology in and around Macomb County make her an invaluable asset to our team," as obtained by The Detroit News. She has a wealth of expertise in forensic pathology and medicine, is remembered for family practice and substantial involvement in medical organizations such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and College of American Pathologists articulated a news release from the county executive's office covered by the Macomb Daily.
Dr. Pietrangelo steps into a position that was long associated with the Spitz family, with Daniel Spitz having succeeded his father, Werner Spitz, a pathologist of national renown. The medical examiner's office recently witnessed turmoil with multiple employees fired over alleged misconduct and questions over staffing levels which were brought to the forefront by Spitz's departure, as reported by Detroit Free Press. The episode has compelled county leadership to recalibrate, hiring the next medical examiner as a county employee, unlike the previous contractual arrangement.
Andrew Cox, Macomb County's Health and Community Services Director, conveyed optimism regarding Pietrangelo's leadership potential stating that "her expertise will contribute to the overall well-being and safety of Macomb County residents," according to statements published by the The Detroit News and the Macomb Daily. With a forthcoming proposal for her appointment on the docket for February 6 and expected board approval on February 15, the county anticipates solidifying its medical examiner's office as it continues to recover and restructure from its recent challenges.
Pietrangelo's credentials are rich and varied, including her medical degree from Wayne State University and a specialized forensic pathology fellowship at the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office in Cleveland, as detailed by the county's executive office and covered by the Macomb Daily. While she steps into a role shadowed by controversy and change, the arrival of Dr. Pietrangelo as chief medical examiner is heralded as a time of renewed professionalism and expertise driving Macomb County forward.
