A Message to Residents from Jeff Segal, MD, JD, FACS
I was a resident not too long ago – although it was longer ago than I want to admit! I remember what it was like. I spent 6 years learning how to operate as a neurosurgeon.
One mentor explained – you spend your entire residency learning how to operate. You spend the rest of your career learning how NOT to operate. Wise words indeed.
Learning good medical and surgical judgment is a full time job. Learning the requisite technical skills is another full time job. As residents you are doing two full time jobs.
Naturally there are items that do not get addressed in residency. For example: How does the legal world intersect with the world of medicine? Is getting sued a common phenomenon? If so, how does one avoid being sued? Is the world changing in the way patients access information? How can I protect and preserve my reputation in cyberspace? Lots of questions.
I was sued one time and was not prepared. I am smarter now – but, my education was “on the job.” I started Medical Justice in 2002 to address many of these issues. Getting sued is an occupational hazard for those in the practice of medicine. Our mission is simple – to keep doctors from being sued for frivolous reasons. We also keep doctors from being defamed on the Internet.
Medical Justice is a member-based organization – of doctors for doctors. We also provide valuable information to and services for residents. We want you on board while you are still training. It’s never too early. The best news – it’s free. Let me repeat that. It’s free.
The Medical Justice Resident program allows you to enjoy all the benefits of Medical Justice Membership, for the term of your residency, at no charge.
