Doctors and Litigation: The L Word

In this fourth episode, we first hear the story of Dr. J, an accomplished OB Gyn who died by suicide during litigation in the aftermath of the death of his patient. We then talk about barriers to physicians seeking help, and how peer support programs can act a a lifeline. And we talk to a psychologist with expertise in physician litigation about some techniques and strategies for coping with litigation stress.  If you are in crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 is there for everyone -- even healers.  More about Dr. Pensa: doctorsandlitigation.com

In this third episode, you'll hear the story of one tragic medical case and its legal aftermath, involving a physician who did everything right -- and yet winds up as a defendant in a high-stakes malpractice trial.  More about author Dr. Pensa: doctorsandlitigation.com

In the second episode of Doctors and Litigation: The L Word, we discuss the very first steps in litigation, starting with when you are given notice of a medical malpractice lawsuit. Experts Dr. Sara Charles, Dr. Ilene Brenner, and Dr. Louise Andrew lend their expertise; physician voices describe their experiences. More about author Dr. Pensa: doctorsandlitigation.com Topics discussed: The emotional impact of the first steps into litigation (and the intended effect from the plaintiff's attorneys), as well as some advice on how to frame it in your mind First action basics: contacting your insurance carrier, and finding an attorney to represent you Board of Licensure/Department of Health investigations that begin automatically in some states when litigation starts The beginnings of the 'discovery' process Who to talk to...and who not to talk to Do's and definite don'ts in the first stages Resources mentioned: "How to Survive a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit", by Ilene Brenner MD "Adverse Events, Stress and Litigation: A Physician's Guide", by Sara Charles, MD and Paul Frisch, JD Litigation stress website with free resources: www.physicianlitigationstress.org (founded by Dr. Sara Charles; note host Gita Pensa MD serves on the voluntary advisory board) Dr. Louise Andrew, MD JD: www.mdmentor.com Theme music by BenJamin Banger (Instagram: @BenJaminBanger)    

Litigation affects the majority of physicians during their career -- in other words, good doctors often get sued. Yet the topic is largely a taboo one among physicians. In this first episode, Dr. Gita Pensa introduces the topic of litigation stress, interviews physicians who have been sued about what makes the experience difficult, and talks to Louise Andrew, MD JD about why this topic needs to be addressed. Dr. Pensa successfully defended a multi-million dollar malpractice case spanning twelve years, including two jury trials. She speaks nationally on the topic of litigation and litigation stress, and has been a practicing physician for nearly 20 years. She is currently academic faculty at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University. However, these opinions are her own, and this podcast does not express the views of Brown University, her employers, or any affiliated hospital systems.    More about Dr. Pensa: doctorsandlitigation.com Also available here on Apple podcasts. Theme music by BenJamin Banger (Instagram: @BenJaminBanger)