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In the courtroom, I was called to discuss injuries. Yet, the most profound injuries I encountered weren’t solely in patients — they were in trust, in honesty, and in the silence that lingers when no one is willing to assert what truly occurred.

I never intended to testify in court. Similar to most doctors, I was trained to care for patients — not to assess the choices of others. But then a case emerged. A patient faced harm. A clinician found themselves accused. And someone inquired, “Can you assist us in comprehending what transpired?”

So I agreed. Then I affirmed my commitment once more.

For over a decade, I performed the role of a medical expert witness — traversing a delicate line between medicine and the law. I appeared in courtrooms and conference areas. I elucidated physiology to juries, analyzed timelines with attorneys, and bore the burden of truth even when it was uncomfortable for all parties involved.

It was challenging. It was heavy. But it was essential.

Reflecting on my experiences, I still ponder: Did I act correctly?

I believe I did. Not because it was flawless, but because I strived — consistently — to adhere to three fundamental principles:

1. Integrity over convenience
2. Clarity over complexity
3. Honesty over comfort

Now, I present these thoughts to the upcoming generation — the physicians, ethicists, and legal partners who will assume the role of expert witness when truth requires articulation.

**Seven principles for the physician witness**

1. **Be loyal to the truth — not to the party that engaged you.**

You are not a tool. You are not an advocate. You are a witness.

Your loyalty must lie with the facts, the standard of care, and what truly occurred — not with those who employed you. State the truth even if it jeopardizes the case. That’s the essence of integrity.

2. **See the patient in the chart — and the individual in the white coat.**

Every record you examine was once a person. Treat it with respect.

And remember: The majority of clinicians involved in these situations did not intend to inflict harm. They were stressed, lacking support, or simply human.

Pursue justice — not vengeance. Seek understanding — not condemnation.

3. **Don’t be the loudest. Be the clearest.**

Your role is not to overpower. It’s to clarify.

Utilize plain language. Instruct the jury as though you were educating the patient’s family. Precision and empathy foster credibility. The most impactful testimony is not theatrical — it’s clear.

4. **“I don’t know” is a complete sentence.**

You are not present to speculate. You are not obligated to possess all knowledge.

If you are uncertain — acknowledge it. If it exceeds your expertise — confess it.

Your strength resides not in knowing everything, but in being truthful about what you understand, and what you do not.

5. **Maintain your stance when the pressure increases.**

There will be pressure — subtle or overt — to tailor your testimony to fit a narrative.

Resist it.

Allow your words to remain unaffected by financial interests, reputation, or persuasion.

Truth is your sole client.

6. **Use your voice to heal, not merely to judge.**

Even in a courtroom, you can initiate healing.

– You can mend the record, by restoring clarity.
– You can improve the system, by uncovering what requires change.
– You can rebuild trust, by demonstrating that integrity persists in medicine.

Let your testimony contribute to something larger than the case.

7. **The true verdict comes later — in the reflection.**

After each case, I questioned myself:

Did I convey the truth?

Did I elucidate with fairness and consideration?

Did I assist someone in comprehending suffering?

If the response was affirmative, then I was the witness I aspired to be.

Not flawless. But honest. And sufficient.

**A final word**

I no longer provide testimony. But I carry every case with me.

I recall the mother who lost a child due to a missed diagnosis.

I remember the resident who made a tragic but forgivable mistake.

I think back to the silence in the courtroom following my plain and compassionate explanation of what had happened — without any agenda.

These instances have taught me that:

– Truth holds more significance than victory.
– Empathy has a place even in a courtroom.
– Expert witnessing is not about choosing sides — it’s about advocating for truth when it entails a sacrifice.

So to you — the next physician called to testify — I say:

Step forward with humility.

Articulate clearly.

And always remember that your words don’t just fill transcripts.

They resonate beyond — into people’s lives, into systems, into legacies.

Be the kind of witness you would desire on the stand if the patient were your mother — or the physician were you.

Let your testimony be more than a mere record.
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