Stark Choices: The Case of Dr. V

06/15/19 • 20 min

In this third episode, you'll hear the story of one tragic medical case and its legal aftermath, involving a physician who did everything right -- and yet winds up as a defendant in a high-stakes malpractice trial.

More about author Dr. Pensa: doctorsandlitigation.com

More about author Dr. Pensa: doctorsandlitigation.com

Previous Episode

First Steps: You‘ve Been Served

In the second episode of Doctors and Litigation: The L Word, we discuss the very first steps in litigation, starting with when you are given notice of a medical malpractice lawsuit. Experts Dr. Sara Charles, Dr. Ilene Brenner, and Dr. Louise Andrew lend their expertise; physician voices describe their experiences.

More about author Dr. Pensa: doctorsandlitigation.com

Topics discussed:

The emotional impact of the first steps into litigation (and the intended effect from the plaintiff's attorneys), as well as some advice on how to frame it in your mind
First action basics: contacting your insurance carrier, and finding an attorney to represent you
Board of Licensure/Department of Health investigations that begin automatically in some states when litigation starts
The beginnings of the 'discovery' process
Who to talk to...and who not to talk to
Do's and definite don'ts in the first stages

Resources mentioned:

"How to Survive a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit", by Ilene Brenner MD

"Adverse Events, Stress and Litigation: A Physician's Guide", by Sara Charles, MD and Paul Frisch, JD

Litigation stress website with free resources: www.physicianlitigationstress.org (founded by Dr. Sara Charles; note host Gita Pensa MD serves on the voluntary advisory board)

Dr. Louise Andrew, MD JD: www.mdmentor.com

Theme music by BenJamin Banger (Instagram: @BenJaminBanger)

Next Episode

Darkness Into Light: Suicide, Coping, and Hope

In this fourth episode, we first hear the story of Dr. J, an accomplished OB Gyn who died by suicide during litigation in the aftermath of the death of his patient. We then talk about barriers to physicians seeking help, and how peer support programs can act a a lifeline. And we talk to a psychologist with expertise in physician litigation about some techniques and strategies for coping with litigation stress.

If you are in crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 is there for everyone -- even healers.

More about Dr. Pensa: doctorsandlitigation.com