Author Archives: ddxdx

About ddxdx

A Family physician, former county coroner and former Idaho State Senator

Coroner Story: Black Heelocopter

Posted on April 20, 2023 by ddxdx

Sometimes how you get the call is an important part of the story. Sometimes, it’s who calls you, sometimes it why they thought you needed to be called, sometimes it why you weren’t called. All these little nuances to being … Continue reading →

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Patrol

Posted on April 19, 2023 by ddxdx

The wind out of the west was chill and biting on Dale’s face. He pulled the collar on his camo coat up. Patrol could be boring, but they’d gotten an alert about a grey van possibly heading their way. Dale … Continue reading →

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Farce

Posted on April 7, 2023 by ddxdx

Isn’t it just ironic that President Trump’s greatest accomplishment in his four years of Presidency was something his followers considered folly? It’s a symptom that government has become farce. Theater performs farce. Comedians convey farce. Maybe only government can deliver … Continue reading →

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Coroner Story: Alpha and Omega

Posted on April 1, 2023 by ddxdx

                        Alpha and Omega I stood between the woman’s legs. She bore her strength down against The rotund dome of the gravid belly. The nurse looked in from the hall door. “Can you take a call?  ER on line four.” … Continue reading →

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Everybody Knows

Posted on March 29, 2023 by ddxdx

When a majority can pass a law that says broad and powerful things, then ignore those noble sentiments, everybody knows the deck is stacked. That’s how it goes. Everybody knows. Our Idaho legislature has done such. I ask you to … Continue reading →

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Coroner Story: Old Men

Posted on March 24, 2023 by ddxdx

It was pretty odd to get a convenient coroner call.  But this one came right at the end of my day in the clinic.  Sheriff’s dispatch called at 4PM requesting me to go out to a home just west of … Continue reading →

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Posturing

Posted on March 23, 2023 by ddxdx

It was always a question for me when the House would have the guts to actually kill the Medicaid budget. Every year it would sneak though by 5-10 votes. This year, they actually killed it. Lead by their wise Speaker, … Continue reading →

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Mountain

Posted on March 17, 2023 by ddxdx

                        Mountain There are times when it is very difficult to tell, even with careful investigation the manner of death.  There are only six choices: accidental, natural, homicide, suicide, pending investigation and of course, Could Not Be Determined.  Let’s see … Continue reading →

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Certificate of Death

Posted on March 10, 2023 by ddxdx

Certificate of Death These forms are a big deal. Just like an agenda, a doctor’s note to miss work, or a W2, they contain information that somebody, somewhere considers crucial. When I first filled them out, I was casual. I … Continue reading →

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Getting Started

Posted on March 9, 2023 by ddxdx

First Days I hadn’t really wanted to be the coroner. I was appointed to my first service when the elected coroner left town. Then, maybe there was some intent behind this circumstance, since I have found that life can be … Continue reading →

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