{"id":"259b9c61-9c8c-43fa-9701-ce5e93a548e7","slug":"why-i-testify-for-some-patients-plaintiffs-and-against-some-doctors-defendants","title":"Why I testify for some patients/plaintiffs, and against some doctors/defendants","authors":["Nancy E. Epstein"],"abstract":"Background: The author reflects on the teachings of his father, a renowned spinal neurosurgeon, regarding the professional norm of not testifying against fellow neurosurgeons in malpractice cases. Over the last decade, the author has shifted his stance and now testifies for plaintiffs he believes have been victims of unnecessary or negligent surgeries. He expresses concern over the inadequacies of the current medicolegal system, which he believes punishes many surgeons while compensating the wrong patients. Summary: The author highlights a significant increase in unnecessary or inappropriate spinal surgeries over the years, attributing this trend to factors such as higher reimbursement rates and the proliferation of spinal surgeons. He notes that many patients he encounters are either offered the wrong operation or do not require surgery at all. Despite recognizing the flaws in the medicolegal system, he remains committed to advocating for patients who have been harmed by unnecessary surgical interventions. Conclusion: The author intends to continue testifying on behalf of patients who have suffered due to inappropriate surgical practices, emphasizing that the well-being of patients should always take precedence. He believes that his father would support his decision to prioritize patient advocacy over professional norms. Keywords: neurosurgery, malpractice, patient advocacy, medicolegal system, spinal surgery, unnecessary surgery, professional ethics","thumbnailUrl":null,"publishDate":"2018-12-18T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.4103/sni.sni_374_18","categories":["Spine","Editorial"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/api/articles/259b9c61-9c8c-43fa-9701-ce5e93a548e7/pdf"}