The trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the alleged murder of George Floyd reached a crucial stage today. As it would happen, an Irishman is central to the proceedings.
With 46 years of experience, Dr Martin Tobin is one of the world's leading pulmonologists. He is from Freshford in Co. Kilkenny and studied at UCD and Trinity College before heading to the UK and US. He currently works at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago.
According to the Lancet, Dr Tobin wrote 'the Bible of mechanical ventilation'. He is a supreme scholar according to the American Thoric Society
He is the supreme scholar of critical care medicine and editor or author of seven extraordinary textbooks on the subject. In addition, Martin has published 137 peer-reviewed papers and numerous book chapters. He has been a tireless worker for the Society. In addition to his 7 years as AE for the AJRCCM, he has chaired the Program Committee and the Critical Care Assembly for the ATS. He was elected to the American Society for Clinical Investigation in 1994 and has been listed in The Best Doctors in America
Breathing is a massive part of this trial and Dr Tobin's testimony is absolutely pivotal. He is a key witness as the prosecution tries to make the case Floyd was strangled to death by Chauvin. The defense believes that Floyd died from a mix of bad health and drug use. Dr Tobin has told the court otherwise. He said “Mr. Floyd died from a low level of oxygen and this caused damage to his brain and it also...caused his heart to stop." If Chauvin is eventually found guilty, it will be because Dr Tobin's explanation of the science behind Floyd's death was taken as fact by the jury.
Dr Tobin has become something of an instant internet star for his obvious intelligence and clear communication skills.
The prosecution has called expert witness, Dr. Martin Tobin, a prominent pulmonologist who wrote a textbook considered “the Bible on mechanical ventilation.” All this just to prove to the jury that Derek Chauvin killed George Floyd. pic.twitter.com/F4w6mb8feD
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) April 8, 2021
Today is a crucial day in the Derek Chauvin Trial
Prosecutors just called their first medical expert witness: Martin Tobin, a pulmonologist working at Loyola University Medical Center
Expect him to testify that George Floyd did not die of an overdose#ChauvinTrial pic.twitter.com/QHsAhWZwYd— Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) April 8, 2021
Dr. Martin Tobin testifying in the Chauvin trial is making me feel like I haven’t done anything in my life. How can one man be this accomplished?!?
— Whitney Hudson (@AugustLawrence_) April 8, 2021
Dr Martin Tobin is about to bring down the house on Derek Chauvin. 46 years of practice as a pulmonologist, published, research. Not getting paid for testimony. Thank you Dr. Martin Tobin #DrMartinTobin#BLM#Georgefloyd pic.twitter.com/Yn6RonyzJl
— LmoreauxAntoine (@LA22189355) April 8, 2021
Yet again an Irishman has popped up at the middle a major international news story. You can watch Dr Tobin's ongoing testimony here:
