Medical Malpractice Ministry

Dear colleague and friend in Christ,

The fact you are looking at the Medical Malpractice Ministry website likely indicates you’re reaching out for moral support. You may be bewildered, angry, depressed, but as so often is said to humans in the Bible: “Fear not!” You have colleagues in Christian Medical & Dental Associations who understand your feelings, for we too have been through the valley of the shadow of death. Even more important to remember at this point in your life is: THE Great Physician conquered death. You will live through this bleak episode.

We as physicians seek evidence-based information. What you will find in this area of the web will instruct you on many of the legal processes you might undergo. Please do not take this information as legal gospel; you should work with your own attorney for legal advice. Follow your habits as a prudent physician treating a disease with which you are unfamiliar or a bit hazy: study as much information as you can find, analyze it, look for possible plans of diagnoses and treatments and seek advice from experienced physicians who have encountered such a disease.

You are not alone in your medico-legal ordeal. A majority of physicians are sued at least once in their professional careers. You may take care of your patient using the latest evidence and protocols, practicing at a board-certified level of competence, but something bad happened. Maybe you could have changed something, but that time is in the past. The present and future are more important: forgive (the patient and yourself), never forget and try another treatment option. Do not be too harsh with yourself. Most of your patients still trust you as their “doc.”

Should you wish to talk confidentially with someone who has traversed the same path as you appear to be traveling, please contact the Medical Malpractice Ministry. We wish to serve our Lord by helping you in whatever way we can. We can listen, encourage and occasionally remind you that you’re human—just like your patients and other physicians. You are not alone. We’ll pray with you to our awesome God, omniscient, omnipresent and ever-compassionate who sent His very own Son for us!

Someday, when you are back to walking in that bright Sonshine and the memories of the dark valley have faded, I hope you remember to help CMDA so we are able to help other hurting colleagues.

Peace be to you through Christ Jesus,

Wendy B. Kang, MD, JD
Chair, CMDA Medical Malpractice Ministry