County expected to make move on chief medical examiner position

In March, county commissioners revealed plans to hire a chief medical examiner from another country to take over the long-vacant medical examiner position. Now, it appears they’re ready to take another step.

Though the county has hired an interim medical examiner, El Paso County hasn’t had a doctor in the position permanently since the county fired Dr. Paul Schrode three years ago. A former El Paso County chief medical examiner, Dr. Juan Contin, has filled the role on a temporary basis for quite some time.

Dr. Khalid Jaber, currently living in Ireland, had his name thrown into the ring some time ago. However, there were questions whether he could take over the position.

At the time, he had not passed licensing tests for the state of Texas to take the job. In March, commissioners unanimously voted 4-to-0 (1 absence) to hire Jaber contingent on his passing those tests and obtaining a visa to work legally in the United States.

According to online reports, Jaber has worked in the U.S. before.

An item on the county’s agenda says the county will, “Discuss and take appropriate action regarding the status of selection and hiring of a candidate for the Medical Examiner for the County of El Paso.”

The item is also listed for a closed-door meeting. Follow @MattSmithABC7 on Twitter for up to date information as this story unfolds.