September 2008

Louise B. Andrew is a fifth-generation physician who has made a career of serving health professionals in distress after her own experience dealing with a medical malpractice suit.

Consider this hypothetical situation: A patient with new onset of a major depression is evaluated by a physician who has found no evidence of suicidal ideation.

Many physicians are skeptical about getting involved in the practice, and rightfully so. Sermo and other online physician communities are rife with posts and comments from physicians who know colleagues who have stretched the truth or even lied on the stand because of personal beliefs or compensation.