Police search for doctor who disappeared from Staten Island

Scuba divers searching nearby lake while police dogs to search the woods

Dr Tamara Saukin, 44, of Staten Island has been missing since 18 Nov. She disappeared while on a walk with her mother in Cloves Lake Park. (New York Police Department)

Police are searching for a Staten Island doctor who went missing last week after taking a morning walk with her mother.  

Tamara Saukin, 44, of Staten Island, New York, disappeared from Cloves Lake Park on 18 November while taking her daily walk.  

Dr Saukin was walking with her mother, who wished to return to the car, just before she disappeared. The doctor said she wanted to continue walking, so the pair separated.  

An anonymous source speaking with Staten Island Live told the publication that police currently have no leads on Dr Saukin's disappearance.  

Investigators said they have not uncovered evidence of foul play at this time.  

Police have increased their search efforts for the doctor in recent days. Police scuba divers have been searching Cloves Park lake for signs of the woman, and K-9 police dogs have been used while authorities search the surrounding woods.  

In addition, the police have begun posting "missing persons" fliers featuring Dr Saukin's face around the area.  

Police said Dr Saukin struggled with alcoholism and had previously expressed suicidal thoughts. Her daily walks through the park were apparently part of a routine she kept to help with her struggles.

Dr Saukin maintained a family medicine practice until 9 October, when she withdrew from her work "due to unforeseen circumstances." A short time later, she changed her employment status to "self-employed."  

When a friend on her Facebook asked her what was going on, she replied "Family issues. Thanks much for asking."  

The NYPD did not immediately respond to a request for further updates on the investigation.