Posts by Christian Medical & Dental Associations®

He was shocked at the attorney’s letter. A patient who had seemed pleased with her care was suing him for reckless and wanton negligent care.

Sixty years of hiding the truth taught this doctor a very hard lesson.

I still don’t know how I made it through the remainder of the day, or how my shak­ing hands were able to suture the next patient’s laceration. Instantly, the joy was gone from my life.

The pain of a malpractice suit can test your limits, threatening all you hold dear. For some, th is experience is devasating-personally, relationally, professionally-regardless how the case is resolved.

I reported early for my shift in the emergency department as a nurse was fin­inshing her coffee at the front desk. Thumbing throught the morning newspaper she stopped and said, “Hey Pat, I didn’t know you were getting sued!”

A Christian physician pours her heart and soul into her practice. Christ is the model, the Great Physician, who healed both body and soul.

Much has been written about the subject of malprac­tice, but very little attention has been paid to the emotional and spiritual impact of a suit on the life of the physician who is sued.

Here’s what often causes lawsuits and what you can do to avoid themFor doctors, nothing is more sobering than receiving notification that you are being sued.

Because a malpractice suit can be personally devastating, it is essential that we share our concerns and fears to avoid the nameless, unreasoning, and unjustified terror that can paralyze our mission to be light in a darkened world.

Israel was a spreading vine He brought forth, fruit for himself. As his fruit increased, he built more altars; as his land prospered, he adorned his sacred stones.

Malpractice rises before the physician as an imminent bar­rier to his life work. The issues of malpractice touch him as a self-employed businessman, as a professional and as a person.

As a lawyer presenting his case to physicians, I feel a bit defensive. The attitude of many people in our society is reflected in a recent bumper sticker – “Support your local lawyer, send your son to medical school.”

I do not carry malpractice in­surance. Originally I decided not to carry it simply because I could not afford it. Now, how­ever, I practice uninsured as a matter of principle.

The malpractice crisis has been with us for three years. In 1974 insurance premiums jumped by nearly 200 percent, and each year since then they have risen higher.