The physician and malpractice litigation

Malpractice litigation alleging failure to practice responsibly and competently against an increasing number of doctors in America cannot be viewed simply as a legal or insurance problem. It affects the doctor in a highly personal way and in most cases generates emotional and/or physical symptoms for at least a limited period during the process. Intellectual and emotional understanding of the nature of litigation is necessary not only within the medical community but also within the community at large because of its potential for long range negative effects on healthcare.