Medicolegal Principles Dermatology Residents Have to Know About

In episode 4 of Cutaneous Miscellaneous, our host Nicholas Brownstone, MD speaks with Whitney High, MD, JD, MEng, who is a Professor of Dermatology at University of Colorado School of Medicine.

The episode begins with board review prep on dermatologic emergencies. Dr. Brownstone asks Dr. High for tips about answering exam questions about the following diseases: DRESS syndrome, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Erythema Multiforme and Staph Scalded Skin Syndrome.

The remainder of the episode is spent discussing important medicolegal issues in dermatology residency. Dr. Brownstone asks Dr. High for tips on reducing the risk of lawsuits during residency and beyond. Dr. High specifically discusses which types of cases dermatologists get sued for, how to medicolegally write better notes and how residents can be held responsible in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Next, Dr. High provides some advice on how to handle and negotiate your first job contract. He reviews important concepts such as non-compete clauses, scope of practice, compensation models, the “four corners” rule and force majeure.

Since this topic is not traditionally taught in dermatology residency, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss!