EPISODE DESCRIPTION

The speaker provides helpful tips for physicians facing a deposition:
– Approach it like a “sports match” or “chess match” – anticipate the attorneys’ strategy and stay one step ahead
– Focus on the 2-3 key points of the case, avoiding peripheral distractions
– Remember your expertise in medicine surpasses the attorneys’ knowledge
– Stick to the facts and avoid speculating beyond the specific questions asked
– Review template reports to prepare for potential questions
– Be authentic and embrace your natural communication style
– Seek feedback from opposing attorneys after the deposition to gain insights
– Prepare adequately with water, snacks, and by setting aside dedicated time
– Leverage experienced QMEs or attorneys to anticipate key discussion points
– Explain risks of opioids/narcotics and suggest alternative pain management
– Don’t dismiss a patient’s pain simply because they aren’t on painkillers

KEY LESSONS

The key learnings that are likely surprising to the reader are:
• Depositions are not as intimidating as they may seem – no one will die, and you are not on trial.
• You may even know the case better than the attorneys, so don’t be afraid to summarize the key details.
• Approach the deposition as a “sports match” or “chess match” – anticipate the attorneys’ strategy and stay one step ahead.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Navigating Depositions: Staying Calm and Focused
02:00 Communicating Medical Expertise to Lawyers
03:01 Remembering Patients and Navigating Depositions
04:03 Preparing for Depositions: Leveraging Resources
05:43 Don’t Put Your Hand in the Cookie Jar
06:42 Deposition Recommendations: Answering Questions Thoughtfully
08:01 Stick to the Facts: Deposition Advice
08:44 Be Authentic, Seek Feedback
09:22 Preparing for Depositions: Tips for Connecting with Doctors
11:43 Explaining Medical Reasoning to Attorney

SUMMARY

The speaker provides helpful advice for physicians who are about to undergo a deposition.

Key points include:
– Depositions are not as intimidating as they may seem – no one will die, and you are not on trial.
– Focus on the 2-3 key points of the case, rather than getting distracted by peripheral questions.
– Remember that you know far more about medicine than the attorneys, so stay in your lane and discuss the medical aspects.
– You may even know the case better than the attorneys, so don’t be afraid to summarize the key details.
– Approach the deposition as a “sports match” or “chess match” – anticipate the attorneys’ strategy and stay one step ahead.
– You will be paid for your time, so don’t be intimidated. The speaker discusses strategies for physicians when being deposed, drawing parallels to the movie “Back to the Future” and a book
that predicts future events. Key recommendations include: reviewing a template report to anticipate potential questions, sticking to the facts of the case and avoiding speculation, and not
volunteering additional information beyond the specific questions asked. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared and responding thoughtfully to deposition questions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being authentic and true to oneself during depositions. They advise doctors to embrace their natural communication styles, whether analytical, jovial, or thoughtful, rather than trying to conform to a specific persona. The speaker also recommends reaching out to opposing attorneys after the deposition to seek feedback and gain insights into their approach, without discussing the specific case. Additionally, the speaker suggests preparing for depositions by bringing water and snacks, setting aside dedicated time, and leveraging the expertise of seasoned QMEs or attorneys to anticipate the key points of discussion. The speaker emphasizes the importance of explaining the risks of opioids and narcotics to patients, as well as suggesting alternative pain management strategies. They highlight that as a medical expert, one should not underestimate their knowledge, as they have spent years studying and perfecting their craft. The speaker cautions against dismissing a patient’s pain simply because they are not on painkillers, and stresses the need to approach each case with nuance and expertise.