Identifying and Addressing Dangerous Physicians Through the Medical Staff Credentialing and Peer Review Processes (On-Demand Webinar)

Date: 01/23/24

Closed captions are available.

Overview: This webinar describes past situations where dangerous physicians were identified and provides strategies for avoiding similar situations in the future. One example is Christopher Duntsch, a physician who was sentenced to life in prison for acts he committed while performing surgery on patients, earning him the moniker of “Dr. Death.” The circumstances surrounding Dr. Death and similar physicians serve as a cautionary tale for the credentialing and peer review processes of Medical Staffs. This presentation highlights the lessons learned from cases involving dangerous physicians. A journalist who has reported extensively on issues related to dangerous physicians will provide background information about these kinds of cases. An attorney who brought lawsuits on behalf of the patients who were harmed by Dr. Death’s actions will speak about the kinds of liability healthcare organizations can face with these issues, the importance of advocating for patient safety, and who the stakeholders are for patient safety efforts. Finally, the presentation addresses how physicians can “hide in plain sight” and what steps can be taken to prevent a Dr. Death situation from occurring, however unlikely that may seem.

Learning Objectives:

  • Examine the facts and circumstances underlying cases involving dangerous physicians and discuss how such a situation could occur.
  • Explain the kinds of liability healthcare organizations can face in ensuring patient safety at a healthcare organization and describe the roles of stakeholders in connection with these issues.
  • Explain how physicians can “hide in plain sight” within a healthcare organization and outline steps organizations can take when a potentially dangerous physician has been identified and discuss how organizations can screen for these physicians through the credentialing process.

Speaker Information:

Matt Grant, Investigative Reporter, KXAN News - Austin

Kay Van Wey, PartnerVan Wey, Metzler & Williams

Erin Muellenberg, PrincipalPolsinelli

 

Moderator:

Tim Cahill, PartnerDinsmore & Shohl

 

 

Continuing Education:

CLE: The maximum number of credits available for ON DEMAND is 1.5 for a 60-minute state and 1.8 for a 50-minute state. Please note that the availability of credits may vary from state to state.  This self-study course will be available for purchase for approximately one year after the recording date, but state rules on duration of eligibility for CLE-credits differ, so please check with your state before purchasing self-study offerings. 

CPE: CPE credits are not available for on-demand. 

CCB: CCB credits are not available for this on-demand webinar.

For additional information, please visit the AHLA Continuing Education page. 

 

Also available from AHLA: The Complete Medical Staff, Peer Review, and Hearing Guidebook