What happens when a physician is sued, and why does medicine make clinicians feel like they should be ashamed of it?
In this episode of Reliably Well, Dr. Gita Pensa discusses her journey through a 12-year malpractice case and the anxiety, depression, and isolation that followed. She explains how she transformed that experience into a mission to help clinicians understand litigation, build resilience, and break the culture of shame surrounding malpractice.
Dr. Pensa, Dr. Johnsey, and Libbo Crosswhite explore the realities of litigation, the importance of peer support, and how physicians can become better prepared for one of the most difficult experiences of their careers. Maybe most importantly, they discuss how medicine can create a culture where clinicians feel safe asking for help, and where being sued doesn't have to define who you are as a doctor.
Watch the PBS documentary A World of Hurt, featuring Dr. Pensa