The family physician as a legal consultant

Family physicians have a responsibility to their peers and patients to participate in malpractice litigation in a manner that ensures that evidence is properly and thoroughly evaluated. Family physicians have not routinely involved themselves as expert witnesses in medical malpractice litigation because of lack of training, misconceptions about their role, and distrust of attorneys. The role of expert medical witness requires an ability to interact with attorneys, witnesses, and courts of law as well as a clear understanding of the malpractice process and the law that governs such proceedings. Philosophical differences, rationale for participation, and the malpractice process are discussed in this paper, and guidelines for the expert witness are presented.