[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 160 (Monday, October 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2189]]


                 IN RECOGNITION OF DR. ELIZABETH BALRAJ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 22, 2007

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Dr. 
Elizabeth Balraj as she retires after 35 years of dedicated public 
service to the people of Northeast Ohio, including 20 years as Cuyahoga 
County coroner.
  Dr. Balraj began her career in the 1960s, immigrating to the United 
States to become a physician and surgeon after completing her studies 
in her native India. She practiced medicine at Akron General Hospital 
and St. Luke's Hospital in Cleveland before coming to the Cuyahoga 
County Coroner's Office as deputy coroner and pathologist. In 1987, she 
was appointed Coroner of Cuyahoga County, following the retirement of 
Coroner Dr. Samuel Gerber, a position she held until her retirement in 
July of this year.
  During her time as Coroner of Cuyahoga County, Dr. Balraj established 
herself as a very capable and energetic leader. She worked very hard 
with local law enforcement officials to help solve murder cases and was 
there to console the many people who lost loved ones. Additionally, she 
advanced the cause of women in the medical field by blazing the trail 
for women to become more involved in science and medicine, as well as 
the law enforcement field.
  Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honoring Dr. 
Elizabeth Balraj or her service to Cuyahoga County, her passion for her 
work, and her kindness to the many families and individuals of Cuyahoga 
County over the last 35 years.

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