The pediatrician as expert witness. Participation and reaction to this activity
D. A. Boenning, S. M. Selbst, L. H. Freed and A. M. Groves
Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
Little is known about the qualifications and motives of pediatricians who
provide expert witness testimony. Pediatricians in Pennsylvania were
surveyed anonymously to learn more about this practice. Two hundred
fifty-five (49%) of 520 pediatricians responded, and 126 of these
physicians had provided expert testimony at some time. Fully affiliated
medical school faculty members were more likely to act as expert witnesses
than were other pediatricians. Seventy-seven (61%) did so to defend a
fellow physician. Only eight (6%) were listed with an organization that
provides expert witnesses. Pediatricians were selective about their
involvement as expert witnesses, and 96 (76%) had refused to give testimony
at some time. Most were paid an hourly rate, which was in keeping with
charges for medical consultation or lecturing. More than 80% of respondents
were unhappy with the present system of procuring expert witnesses.
