Last week, I had the privilege of speaking at Brown University’s Gastroenterology Grand Rounds. My talk, “From Clinic to Courtroom: Gastroenterologists as Expert Witnesses,” centered on a topic that often sparks curiosity, confusion, and discomfort in the medical world: the role of physicians in the legal system.
What struck me most wasn’t just the warm reception or excellent turnout, but the thoughtful questions and the meaningful conversations that followed. One attendee told the organizer, Dr. Amanda Pressman, “My vote for best of the year. Great topic… the fellows were talking about it all day.”
It was clear: this topic hit a nerve in the best way.
What We Covered
We explored how physicians can ethically and effectively participate in legal cases by serving as medical experts. The talk sparked rich discussion around:
• Why expert witness work matters– and why it’s not “dirty” or exploitative when done with integrity
• Real-world cases that highlighted both opportunities and challenges
• The difference between clinical guidelines and legal standards of care
• How to document informed consent when educational levels are low
• Staying grounded in your integrity– especially when attorneys apply pressure
The audience was engaged, curious, and open to seeing this path not as a betrayal of medicine, but as a continuation of it.
Changing the Narrative
Too often, expert witness work is whispered about with suspicion. The idea of “testifying” can feel adversarial or uncomfortable. But here’s what I try to emphasize every time I speak: our voices matter–in courtrooms just as much as in clinics. When we lend our expertise responsibly, we help prevent meritless lawsuits, support legitimate claims, and protect the integrity of our profession.
Serving as an expert doesn’t mean taking sides. It means standing up for the truth. It means helping judges, juries, and attorneys understand the medicine. And it means using your clinical knowledge to make a broader impact.
Thank You to Brown
I’m so grateful to Dr. Amanda Pressman and the entire Brown University GI Department for the warm welcome and thoughtful discussion. And to every clinician in the audience who stayed after to ask questions, share stories, and consider this work with fresh eyes.
Interested in bringing this conversation to your department or conference?
Dr. Fogelman is available for speaking engagements on topics such as medical expert witness work, risk management, documentation strategies, and physician career development.
If you’re looking to educate and empower clinicians to better understand the legal landscape, and their potential role in it, she would be honored to speak with your group.
Learn more or get in touch here: https://highrockexperts.com/contact/.