Doctor, Please Take the Stand: Stress, Duties, and Dangers of Physician Testimony

Many physicians experience stress and anxiety when they are asked to testify in court or be an expert witness. Handling a barrage of attorney questions under oath can be challenging. And although testifying against a patient who has sued for malpractice is, of course, difficult, testifying against a colleague-for example, in an impairment or patient safety case-can be even worse. This article addresses some of the key reasons that cause physicians to resist testifying, and suggests ways for physicians to deliver their testimony in a way that is effective and can be understood by a jury.