Review of medical negligence cases: an essential part of residency programs

Abstract

Residency programs routinely review cases involving "morbidity and mortality." It would be a valuable experience to similarly review medical malpractice cases and the associated testimony by medical experts. When available, the cases reviewed in residency programs would be those in which faculty members at the same institution had testified. The faculty member in such cases would be intimately familiar with the case and able to share the knowledge necessary to take part in the legal process. This case review process would expose residents to the legal realities of medical practice, provide a forum for peer review of legal testimony by experts, and show residents how to participate in the legal system should the need arise.