Host David Mandell chats with Dr. Jordan Romano in Episode 4.4 of the podcast. Jordan talks about his career, how he became involved in working as a medical expert witness, grew the work into a business, and now advises other physicians who are interested in this potential “side hustle.”
Jordan begins with the story of how he ended up in medicine and at Harvard and Mass General, as well as the non-traditional steps he took along the way. He relates why business was in his blood, given his family background in banking and finance.
Jordan covers how and why he first jumped into the field of medical expert witnessing, what he liked about it initially and what it took to turn it into a real business. He also shares what he sees as the most significant challenges to growing the business.
Jordan then discusses his current work in advising and coaching physicians looking to get into this space, what doctors typically can earn in the field, and common mistakes he sees physicians make when starting out.
Jordan wraps up the episode with his big picture advice for physicians considering this type of work.
What You’ll Learn:
- Where Jordan grew up and his initial path into medicine
- The risk he took by putting just one residency program down for the Match
- Why business was in his blood -given his family background in banking and finance
- How and why Jordan first began working as an expert witness
- The valuable tip a colleague at Harvard gave to Jordan about networking with busy people
- How he “limped along” with the work initially
- What he liked about expert witnessing even in the beginning and why he thinks it makes him a better doctor
- His revelation about turning the work into a real business
- What Jordan sees as the key challenges in building this business
- Why Jordan now also works to coach physicians looking to get into medical expert witnessing
- What physicians can typically earn doing this work
- Common mistakes doctors make when starting out
- Jordan’s big picture advice for physicians considering this type of work
How to Become a Medical Expert Witness
Through Host David Mandell’s conversation with Dr. Jordan Romano in this podcast, listeners learn more about the “side hustle” of medical expert witness testimony.
The tips Dr. Romano offers here are a foundation to help you understand more about this business and learn how to get your foot in the door to create a lucrative, successful income as a medical expert within your specialty.
What are the requirements/qualifications to become a medical expert witness?
Any doctor can be a medical expert witness, but specific qualifications will help you stand out and receive work. Experience, reputation, and expertise matter, particularly in more in-demand specialties. You’ll need a flexible schedule, as you may be called to testify at trial.
What does a medical expert witness do?
As a medical expert witness, you share your knowledge and professional opinion in a medical malpractice case.
How much can you expect to be paid as a medical expert witness?
The job of a medical expert witness can be highly lucrative. However, the pay ranges depend on factors like experience and specialty.
Most people charge between $400 per hour (as a pediatrician or similar specialty) and $1200 per hour (as a neurosurgeon). A non-refundable retainer is expected.
This upfront money can be several thousand dollars. The more time you spend on a case, the more your payment will increase. As you prepare for a trial deposition, multiply your hourly rate by 10-20 or more (depending on the case’s complexity).
What are the primary responsibilities of a medical expert witness?
Being an expert medical witness is time-consuming. You’ll review the medical records provided by both parties’ attorneys, and communicate with legal representatives and lawyers.
Once you’ve read the records thoroughly, researched as needed, and formed your opinion, you’ll compile the reports used in the case. Both parties will conduct depositions, asking you questions, and you may need to testify on the stand if the case is not settled outside of court.
What are some of the key traits of a great medical expert witness?
In addition to being an expert in a particular area of medicine, great medical expert witnesses are entrepreneurial-minded. Once your reputation is out in the legal arena, this side gig can become a thriving business, and those entrepreneurial skills will help you succeed. To get there, you should be research-focused and thorough in your reviewing and reporting work.
What are the most common mistakes Jordan sees medical expert witnesses make when they start out?
“Momentum matters.” As your reputation begins to grow, this drives your business success. Yet, many early medical expert witnesses make common mistakes that stall or harm their ability to become successful in this field.
Note that how you start out is important. As Jordan says, if you start out limping, you’ll continue to limp. Having a mentor’s guidance can keep you from giving up too early. This person will encourage you and review your testimony as you go through the expert witness process, which can take months or years from start to finish.
Once you’re growing, treat this side job like a business. Outsource where necessary, such as hiring a virtual assistant. Know your strengths and weaknesses, and double down on your strengths instead of trying to learn and conquer your weaknesses.
What are the best ways to get work as a medical expert witness?
Entering the field of medical expert witnessing can be challenging. Go where the action is, such as attending conferences and networking to connect with others.
Get the word out that you’re interested in being an expert witness, and let word of mouth work in your favor. Work with a mentor to build your knowledge and testimonial skills.
Conclusion
For more information on becoming a medical expert witness, visit Dr. Jordan Romano’s coaching site at MedicalExpertWitness.com or email him at jjromano@mgh.harvard.edu.
Resources:
David Mandell: Bio
Dr. J. Jordan Romano: MedicalExpertWitness.com
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