October 3, 2025
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory (ASCL) is proud to announce the successful recruitment of two highly accomplished physicians who will join the Medical Examiner Section as Associate Medical Examiners in July 2026: Dr. Lance Van Truong and Dr. Jusmita Saifullan.
Dr. Truong is currently ASCL’s first forensic pathology fellow, while Dr. 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, addressing the nationwide shortage of board-certified forensic pathologists. Across the United States, there are only about 800 board-certified forensic pathologists despite an estimated need for nearly twice that number. 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,” said Dr. Theodore Brown, ASCL Director and Chief Medical Examiner. “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. We are incredibly honored to welcome them both.”
Dr. Truong earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Touro University Nevada and completed his residency at Brown University, followed by a pediatric pathology fellowship at Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School. Dr. Saifullan received her medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University and completed her residency at Duke University Medical Center.
“As the current Forensic Pathology Fellow, I see firsthand the everyday excellence that happens at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. I am a true believer in the mission that we have been entrusted with by the people of Arkansas and a faithful supporter of the bold trajectory that the leadership here has set for the Laboratory every day to deliver the highest quality of care to Arkansans while showing national distinction in the realm of forensic science and forensic investigations,” said Dr. Truong. “I remain grateful to be the inaugural Forensic Pathology Fellow, and I feel further blessed for this opportunity to continue serving here for years to come. To quote words once said by Dr. Brown, ‘Together we will achieve epic greatness,’ – and there’s quite simply no place I’d rather be than in Arkansas, proudly serving the needs of everyday Arkansans at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, now as an Associate Medical Examiner!”
“The Arkansas State Crime Laboratory has all the components I am looking for in an office, including an outstanding team of medical examiners and support staff, a supportive environment with opportunities to pursue my additional interests in medical education and public health advocacy, and an all-around cohesive and collaborative culture under the excellent leadership of Dr. Theodore Brown,” said Dr. Saifullan. “I strongly believe that a medical examiner’s responsibility not only extends toward serving the deceased but to serving their families and the larger community as well, and I’m confident I’ll have the support needed to pursue avenues to help make a positive difference in the communities within Arkansas. I am thrilled to be joining the team in 2026!”
The mission of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory is to provide timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science through a collaborative approach that best serves Arkansans. ASCL’s vision is to improve the lives of Arkansans by delivering exceptional forensic science and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
