Arkansas State Crime Laboratory hires two associate medical examiners

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory said on Friday that they are recruiting two “highly accomplished physicians” as medical examiners.

Officials said Dr. Lance Van Truong and Dr. Jusmita Saifullan will begin working with the state in July 2026. Truong is currently ASCL’s first forensic pathology fellow, while Saifullan is completing her fellowship with the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office in Florida.

Their appointments mark a significant advancement in forensic science in Arkansas, officials said, addressing the nationwide shortage of board-certified forensic pathologists. Officials added that by securing two top-tier recruits, ASCL is strengthening its capacity to serve the citizens of Arkansas while setting a new standard of excellence.

“Our recruitment of Dr. Truong and Dr. Saifullan is a monumental moment for the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory and our state as a whole,” ASCL Director and Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Theodore Brown said. “Dr. Truong has already demonstrated passion, leadership, and a deep commitment to serving Arkansans. Dr. Saifullan comes to us with the highest recommendations and is widely recognized for her brilliance, humility, and drive to serve the community.”

Truong is the state’s inaugural Forensic Pathology Fellow, according to a lab spokesperson.