Day 1 Reflection: A New Medical Malpractice Model

Today’s lecture and discussion by Dr. Anderson really got me thinking about medical malpractice in America and how its goals differ from that of patient safety. As a student, there is a tendency to assume the legal system – especially when serving patients who have suffered from an adverse event – serves a just cause. But the facts and arguments presented by Dr. Anderson deserve a clear debate and consideration of potential solutions.

I am not naive enough to believe litigation reform can come form brainstorming among young professionals in healthcare, but it is a worthy exercise to consider how to construct a system that protects honest patients and providers while ensuring compensation to those who deserve it. I cannot help but remember back to a New Yorker article by renowned physician-writer Atul Gawande on medical practice. In discussing alternatives to the current malpractice model in the United States, Gawande… Continue reading →