The dermatologist as expert witness

Expert witnesses are practitioners who provide varying opinions for use in a variety of legal forums. There are many technical requirements to be satisfied before a tribunal recognizes such opinions. Regulation, rules, restrictions and potential liability must be considered. Increasingly, state licensing boards, societies and accreditation groups are regulating doctors in the medico-legal arena and sanctions and penalties are being meted out. Legal immunities and privileges may not be always available as protection. The American Academy of Dermatology and AMA have promulgated principles that must be followed to insure accuracy and integrity. The challenge of being an expert is rewarding but must be treated as seriously as clinical practice as the concomitant risks are now the same.