There is a growing trend emerging toward the use of mediation as a tool for resolving medical malpractice lawsuits. Join me as I explore the process of mediation as well as pros and cons for physicians and other healers facing a lawsuit.
That Woman Is Us: Thoughts on the RaDonda Vaught Case
Emotional Self-Management for Physicians On Trial - Pt II
Previously, we explored the challenges of managing fear and anger in the midst of a medical malpractice trial. Today, I want us to shine a light on the more pleasant topic of the positive emotions. Believe it or not, you may experience moments of clarity, calm, certainty, joy and relief in the courtroom, too. And that's a good thing! However, your way of expressing those emotions is no less important to your success as a defendant as your management of the negative ones.
Emotional Self-Management for Physicians on Trial - Pt I
No part of a medical malpractice lawsuit creates more intense emotion for physicians than going to trial. Fear, anger, self-doubt, shame and anxiety, moments of clarity, calm, certainty, and relief — all can wax and wane as events unfold. The way you manage your emotions as you navigate a medical malpractice trial will not only impact upon you at a personal level; your emotional self-management can impact on the tone and outcome of the trial itself. Let’s take a look.
The 8 Stages of a Medical Malpractice Trial
Although most medical malpractice lawsuits in the United States resolve by dismissal or settlement, roughly 10% go to trial. For many physicians, the idea of being on trial is frightening and the process stressful. As in every life situation, though, having more information can help to reduce the fear factor. So today, let’s kick off a series of posts related to going to trial. We’ll start by outlining the process of a medical malpractice trial.
3 Steps to Using Ritual to Heal After Patient Deaths
Physicians and nurses are feeling enormous grief in relation to patients’ losses right now. I’ve long been interested in grief as it shows up in us and how those feelings reflect what our patients and our work means to us. Now I’d like to explore what we can do to get through it. Many use a moment of silence to allow the medical team to process a patient death. I believe we could do so much more for ourselves, though. For today, let’s ask, how can physicians and nurses use ritual to process their grief, especially in the midst of a pandemic?
The National Practitioner Data Bank -- 6 FAQs
Physicians facing a medical malpractice lawsuit frequently worry about the effects that being sued may have on future credentialing and licensing processes. One source of that worry for US physicians may be the National Practitioner Data Bank, though few of us really understand what the NPDB does. Today, let’s clear up that confusion by answering six FAQs regarding the National Practitioner Data Bank.
Surviving A Long, Dark Night -- 5 Lessons For Us
Love in the Time of a Malpractice Lawsuit
5 Tips for Dealing with the State Medical Board
Managing Emotion in a Lawsuit - First Steps
Most physicians and other healers experience a dramatic array of powerful, often difficult emotions, in response to a lawsuit. Sometimes it feels as if those emotions will overwhelm or even crush us. Today, let’s explore a first step toward navigating those emotions in a way that serves us in the lawsuit and in life.
Can We Embrace Not Knowing?
Am I a Second Victim? 3 Ways to Know
Unforeseen events can alter the course of physicians’ and other healers’ lives. They sometimes make us question our understanding of our professional role, our place in the universe as a human being, and our outlook on ourselves and others. Are you wondering whether you might be what some call a “second victim?” Join me to explore 3 questions that will give you the clues you need to find an answer.
What Is a High-Low Agreement?
Medical malpractice lawsuits can be scary for physicians for lots of reasons. High on the list is the fact that most of us know very little about the process. Excellent med mal defense lawyers have a variety of tools for navigating towards the best possible outcome. One of those tools is a high-low agreement. Today, we ask, just what is a high-low agreement?
Mental Health Under Stress: Interview with Dr. Melissa Welby
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, it is slowly morphing from an acute, high-intensity stressor in our lives to a chronic one. This is remarkably similar to the experience many physicians have after an adverse outcome or in the midst of a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Join me today for a wonderful interview with Dr. Melissa Welby, psychiatrist and blogger, where we discuss anxiety under stress and how to manage it in ourselves.
Should I Settle My Medical Malpractice Lawsuit? 6 FAQs for Physicians
When a medical malpractice lawsuit begins, physicians may have no idea of what to expect or what the possible outcomes might be. Many are surprised to learn that most medical malpractice lawsuits never end up in a courtroom. In some cases, a settlement is reached. Today, let’s explore a few of physicians’ most frequently asked questions regarding medical malpractice settlements.
Nourish the Body: Dr. Roxanne Sukol's 3rd Pillar of Well-Being
Today, I bring you the final segment of my interview with Dr. Roxanne Sukol, an internationally recognized expert in preventive medicine and wellness. Over the last few blog posts, we’ve explored ways to preserve our health in the midst of deep stress. Today, Dr. Sukol illuminates the way we nourish our bodies. Explore the role of various foods in supporting your well-being, the foods that are Food and the “foods” that are Not, and fun ways to know the difference.
Activity and Well-being: Interview with Dr. Roxanne Sukol
3 Pillars of Well-Being: Interview with Dr. Roxanne Sukol
In my last post, we talked about the four domains of health — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual — we want to attend to in times of significant stress. Join me today for the first in a series of conversations with internationally recognized expert in preventive medicine, Dr. Roxanne Sukol, as we explore 3 pillars supporting well-being, the power of vagal tone, and concrete strategies you can use NOW to improve your well-being in this time of stress.
