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How to Choose the Right Medical Expert

A medical expert providing expert trial testimony

Choosing the right medical expert for your case is a complex task, and our doctors can help with this crucial process. While some situations call for a straightforward match, like selecting an interventional cardiologist for a case involving an interventional cardiologist, others require a more nuanced approach. Your case might involve multiple specialists, and the opposing side may also have their experts. Here are five key factors to consider when selecting a medical expert:


Board Certification and Credentials

Ensure your medical expert is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) in the relevant specialty. Verify their credentials, education, training, and experience to ensure they meet the specific needs of your case. Ensure that your expert is maintaining their certification. Although some experts may have been grandfathered in, they still have the option to maintain their certification. 


Active Clinical Practice

Look for a medical expert in active clinical practice during the period relevant to your case. This is important because it ensures that the expert's knowledge and expertise are current and applicable. Medical practices and procedures are constantly evolving, and an expert who is actively practicing is more likely to be up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in their field.


Reputation and Background Check

Conduct a thorough background check on the expert's professional history, reputation, prior testimony experience, and potential conflicts of interest. This includes checking for any disciplinary actions, malpractice claims, or issues that could undermine their credibility. It also involves verifying their professional affiliations, memberships, and published work. Additionally, it's essential to review their past cases and the outcomes of those cases to gauge their effectiveness as expert witnesses.


Subject Matter Expertise

Ensure the medical expert has specific expertise directly related to the critical issues in your case. Their qualifications should align precisely with the medical specialty, procedure, condition, or treatment.


Communication Skills

Evaluate the expert's ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex medical concepts to a non-medical audience like a judge or jury. Strong communication skills are essential for compelling expert testimony.


Considering these factors, you can confidently select a highly qualified, credible, and effective medical expert witness for your case.


We understand the challenges in identifying the most suitable expert, especially in complex cases. For instance, in a scenario involving a patient with kidney disease and a diabetic foot wound infection, multiple specialists might be relevant: an infectious diseases specialist, a podiatrist, a general orthopedic specialist, a foot and ankle orthopedic specialist, a hospitalist, an outpatient primary care doctor, an endocrinologist, a general surgeon, a vascular surgeon, or a nephrologist. Matching the right specialist to the patient's history can be challenging, and sometimes, a slightly different specialty with similar expertise is preferred.


At Praxis MedExperts, we are dedicated to providing you with the guidance and support you need to navigate these complexities with confidence. Our team of board-certified professionals, led by experienced physicians, is committed to ensuring your security. Whether you seek expertise in causation or insights into the standard of care within a specific medical discipline, we are ready to offer our highly qualified and credible services.


If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. We are committed to delivering reliable, high-quality services to support your case.


Schedule a FREE 30-minute discovery call today.



Disclaimer: This content provides general guidelines for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and may not apply to all cases or jurisdictions.

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