themselves through expert witness directories or consulting groups. Regardless of the entry point, Dr. Murphy stressed that reputation is among the most powerful credentials.
The Responsibilities— and Risks
Serving as an expert witness carries both professional responsibility and potential risk. Dr. Murphy outlined several guiding principles:
• Objectivity above all: an expert witness should never be seen as a“ hired gun.” Courts and juries can quickly detect bias.
• Preparation is key: physicians may need to review thousands of pages of records. Careful study is essential to avoid errors or oversights.
• Clear communication: medical jargon must be translated into plain language without oversimplifying.
• Ethical boundaries: physicians must avoid overstating expertise or drifting outside their specialty.
Risks include reputational harm if testimony is perceived as biased, as well as the stress of cross-examination in adversarial legal settings. Physicians must also consider the time commitment, which can be significant.
Lessons from Pain Management and Policy
Beyond expert witness work, Dr. Murphy shared insights from his career in pain medicine and addiction treatment, as well as his involvement in Kentucky’ s policy discussions. His experience highlights the importance of physicians engaging in broader societal issues.
In the realm of opioid prescribing, for example, expert testimony has been pivotal in shaping both malpractice cases and public policy. Physicians with firsthand clinical knowledge play a crucial role in explaining standards of care, the balance between pain relief and addiction risk and the evolving evidence base.
Dr. Murphy argued that physicians should view expert witness work not only as a professional opportunity, but also as a civic duty, a way to ensure that medical science informs legal and political decisions that affect patients.
Practical Advice for Physicians Considering This Path
For colleagues interested in becoming expert witnesses, Dr. Murphy offered several practical tips:
1. Start with your strengths; focus on cases within your specialty.
2. Build credibility. Maintain active clinical practice, publish or pursue continuing education.
3. Learn the legal process. Familiarize yourself with depositions, courtroom procedure and rules of evidence.
4. Communicate clearly. Practice explaining complex topics in accessible terms.
5. Protect your reputation. Decline cases where your testimony could be construed as biased or outside your expertise.
Conclusion
Physicians occupy a unique position in society as trusted professionals whose expertise carries weight both in the clinic and beyond. As Dr. Murphy illustrated, the role of physician as expert witness offers an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to justice, policy and the public’ s understanding of medicine. For those who pursue it with integrity, preparation and objectivity, it can be both a rewarding extension of clinical practice and a vital service to the community.
References: AMA Code of Medical Ethics- 9.7.1 Medical Testimony https:// code-medical-ethics. ama-assn. org / ethics-opinions / medical-testimony
How to Become a Medical Expert Witness https:// www. supplementalincomeforphysicians. com / how-to-become-a-physician-expert-witness /
This summary was generated by AI transcription software based on the live presentation delivered during the GLMS Foundation’ s Senior Physician Speaker Series. Thank you to Dr. Sam Yared for reviewing and adding insights to this summary. Final editing provided by Dr. Mary Barry.
GLMS Foundation Senior Physicians Speaker Series
Make sure to add these dates to your calendar so you don’ t miss out! December 2nd
All meetings will take place at noon via Zoom. The program is free and open to GLMS members and their guest. Please contact us for more information on the programs and how to access the meetings. Senior Physicians Committee Chair, Dr. Sam Yared, has several speakers already lined up, but is always looking for new ideas. If you have suggestions on potential speakers or topics, please reach out, we would love to hear your ideas! Missed a recent program and want to catch up? Contact us for a link to the recordings. foundation @ glms. org | 502-736-6366
October 2025 35