Candidate Profile-Douglas Stafford, MD

Birth date:  Oct. 19, 1965

Profession:  Physician, Surgeon

Educational background:  Menomonie (WI) High School; BS Chemical Engineering from University of Iowa; MD from The University of Wisconsin; Surgical Residency from The University of North Dakota

Public service (elected or appointed offices):

Community service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.): Medical Director Kootenai County EMS

How many years as a resident of your city:  10 years

Marital status:  Married

Family: wife Michelle; sons Jack (5 1/2 yo), and Bodie (4 yo)

Hobbies:  cooking, golfing, saltwater aquariums

    Why are you running for office? 

    I would like to use my knowledge and skills as a physician and surgeon to benefit the citizens of Kootenai County.  Being elected Coroner would allow me to do that.

     What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face? 

    Working with in the budget set by the County Commissioners.  The county only budgets for about 30 to 40 autopsies per year and with the number of deaths around 1,000 per year, the coroner has to be selective on which individuals warrant an autopsy and which deaths can be considered due to natural causes.

    If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues?

    I would use my extensive training in medicine, trauma, and surgery to formulate a sound justification as to whether the individual is in need of an autopsy or not.

     What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job? 

    I have been a Board Certified General Surgeon for 12 years.  This has given me extensive knowledge in the Pathophysiology of disease and trauma.  This will enable me to make logical and intelligent decisions as the Coroner.

     Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent? 

    I am the only candidate that has extensive knowledge and training in medicine, trauma, surgery, and anatomy. I would be putting all of my training and resources to work for the people of Kootenai County.