Toddler requires surgery after delay in foreign body diagnosis
This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was originally written by By Annette Roberts, Senior Program Director, Patient Safety. Description Miscommunication and failure to follow protocol results in a decomposing button battery being surgically removed from a two-year-old patient’s nose. Clinical Sequence A parent brought their toddler to an urgent care facility for a swollen nose and nasal trauma after reportedly running into a screen door. The child had no significant medical history, and X-rays were performed at the visit. The following day, the radiologist noted a foreign body resembling a battery in...
Too high a threshold for intervention led to inpatient prolonged stay and treatment
This case study was made available to MIEC through our partnership with CRICO. It was originally written by Jock Hoffman. Description A 36-year-old male, released from the ED after being treated for stab wounds—then later admitted for a week-long, non-operative stay—was found to have a perforated jejunum eight days after his initial ED visit, with subsequent complications and a prolonged rehabilitation. Key Lessons Consider further laboratory and radiologic testing on patients with severe vital sign or physical exam abnormalities. Vital sign abnormalities need to be readdressed after intervention and before patient is discharged. Repeat hospital visit and abnormal vital signs...
Medical directorships: legal risks and liability considerations for physicians
Medical directorships can offer physicians meaningful leadership opportunities within healthcare organizations. These roles often involve oversight of clinical care, staffing, policies, and other administrative responsibilities within a facility or organization. However, physicians may underestimate the potential liability associated with serving as a medical director. Some assume their exposure will be minimal if a claim for substandard care is brought against the facility. In reality, medical directors may still be named in litigation and face personal financial risk, even when a contract includes indemnification language. This article outlines several legal and liability considerations physicians should understand when serving in a medical directorship role. It concludes...
Declining trust in healthcare: what it means for you as a clinician
Trust has long been a cornerstone of effective medical care. Patients who trust their clinicians are more likely to follow treatment plans, seek preventive care, and communicate openly. Yet national data show that public trust in healthcare, and in physicians specifically, has declined in recent years, creating new challenges at the point of care. While most patients still trust their own doctor, clinicians are increasingly encountering skepticism, misinformation, and hesitation that can complicate even routine clinical interactions. What the data shows Multiple national surveys confirm a measurable decline in trust in physicians and health information sources: The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reports that trust in one’s own doctor to...
Last year, numerous pieces of legislation impacting physicians were signed into law in California. The following new health laws are particularly relevant to physician practices and medical professional liability. This alert is based in part on information obtained from the California Medical Association. All laws are effective January 1, 2026, unless otherwise noted. Advanced practice providers: AB 1501 Updates and clarifies various statutory provisions governing physician assistants (PAs), supervising physicians, and podiatrists. These changes impact administrative processes, modify licensing, renewal, and application fees for PAs and podiatrists, and align licensing processes and terminology between the associated professional licensing agencies. The key...
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