THE STANDARD OF CARE IS NOT SO STANDARD

Malpractice lawsuits affect most physicians at some point in their car eer, Proving that malpractice has been committed is based on substanti ation of a variety of elements, including that the patient was rendere d care that was ''below the standard'' of care, While many physicians believe that the ''standard'' will be judged objectively on the basis of published scientific sources and accepted conventions, the standard is established rather by the testimony of expert witness(es). It is t he expert testimony that sets the standard and is proof of the standar d, The testimony is open for acceptance or rejection by the judge or j ury for a variety of nonscientific reasons, We review what the defenda nt doctor might expect regarding proof required to establish breach of the standard of care and what the prudent expert should be obliged to demonstrate.