Watch a Doctor Get Sued: A Live Medico-Legal Simulation (Simulation Academy-Sponsored)

This session offers a live simulation of a medical liability deposition to prepare physicians for the real-world experience of being deposed. Participants are assigned to a defense attorney and will work with their attorney to prepare for the deposition. On the day of the simulation, physicians will undergo a deposition conducted by an actual plaintiff’s attorney, with their defense attorney present. After the simulation, a debrief and Q&A session will allow learners to reflect on the experience. The goal is to equip participants with a deeper understanding of the liability deposition process, raise awareness of how to seek legal support, and provide them with the skills to implement similar training programs at their own institutions. This interactive session ensures that participants are better prepared for the realities of medical liability.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this session, participants should be able to:
  • Identify the components of a medical liability suit.
  • Understand common pitfalls/techniques used by the plaintiff's attorney.
  • Understand that you can't win your case in deposition --- but you can lose it.
  • Vicariously experience the stress of a deposition experienced by the physician in the "hot seat."

Presenters:

  • Michael D. Smith, MD, MBA, CPE
  • Marilena DiSilvio, JD
  • Denise A. Dickerson, JD
  • Jeff Baker, MD, AEMUS-FPD
Authors

  • Michael D. Smith, MD, MBA, CPE

    Ochsner Clinical School/University of Queensland

    Dr. Smith is medical director of the Ochsner Clinical Simulation & Patient Safety Center and professor of emergency medicine, Ochsner Clinical School-University of Queensland. He has written and spoken widely on simulation in education.

  • Marilena DiSilvio, JD

    Elk and Elk Co., LTD

  • Denise A. Dickerson, JD

    Sutter O'Connell

  • Jeff Baker, MD, AEMUS-FPD

    University of Louisville

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