Abstract
The exponential increase in malpractice suits and medical negligence litigation has brought an increasing number of physicians into the courtroom as expert witnesses for the plaintiffs and the defense. Analysis of the testimony reveals that medical expert witnesses are frequently confused about their role in court. This confusion occurs for several reasons. Medical students and residents are given no organized or scholarly exposure to the courtroom. Experts frequently believe that they should be active participants in winning a case. Taking on this inappropriate role frequently results in dishonesty and lack of scholarship. The financial remuneration for expert witnesses has reached a level that has made it an attractive area for unscrupulous professional witnesses. It is essential that the quality and accuracy of expert testimony be improved. Although major changes in the judicial process could correct many aspects of this problem, it is unlikely to be forthcoming. The most immediate solution would be to publicize the testimony of expert witnesses so that the entire medical profession can scrutinize the level of an expert witness' scholarship. (HD 630; HD 7075; HD 11038)
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