(August 7, 2008)—The Texas Tech Health Sciences Center has decided that forensic work doesn't mesh with the school's overall mission, meaning about 80 South Plains counties will have to find a new medical examiner by fall 2009.

Officials in Lubbock received a certified letter dated August 5 informing them of the decision. One Lubbock County judge said he was surprised by the announcement.

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported the end of the contract also affects Amarillo, Plainview, Big Spring and Lubbock, who received forensic services including autopsies performed by four forensic pathologists at the Lubbock County Medical Examiner's Office.

Dr. Steven Berk, dean of the Tech medical school, said that a large patient load, an ambitious research program and other goals meant that the medical examiner's office was no longer a good fit.

The decision will likely affect case loads in Dallas and San Antonio medical examiners offices which, in turn, could have a bearing on cases that originate in and around the Central Texas area.