The Art and Science of Expert Witness Testimony

2023 Course Overview

Information for the 2024 course is not yet available. 

Physicians, psychologists and neuropsychologists are likely to be pulled into court as treating witnesses, particularly in specialties such as orthopedic surgery, neurology, pathology and psychiatry. Additionally, many physicians seek out expert witness work for the intellectual challenge and practice-building opportunities. Yet there is almost no formal training in expert witness testimony offered in medical school or residency and few high-quality opportunities exist for training with trusted colleagues via CME. 

The goal of this course is for participants to identify and develop new skills to address the areas where the needs and expectations of the courtroom collide with the communication habits clinicians have developed over years of academic and professional training. Topics include shifting one's mindset from academic teaching to juror-focused relational communication, using clear language and vivid visuals, understanding the needs of various courtroom stakeholders, establishing credibility and regulating one's own emotions during testimony. Participants will gain key insights to answer the central question: “Does the answer I am about to give help these specific jurors with their difficult intellectual task of deciding the case?” 

The 5-part online series will mix didactic components, interview-style formats and plenty of time for audience interaction with faculty from both the medical and the legal fields. Content will be specialty-agnostic so all interested clinicians are welcome. Join us for this new and truly unique course! 

Who Should Attend

• Neuropsychologists / Psychologists
• Specialty Physicians 
• Primary Care Physicians 
• Social Workers

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Identify the actual communication partner in the courtroom setting 
• Utilize vivid metaphors and accessible visuals in testimony 
• Outline elements and characteristics that define an expert witness as credible by jurors 
• Define the unique needs of all courtroom stakeholders 
• Summarize the relational dynamics between stakeholders 
• Develop specific strategies for regulating one's emotional response in the courtroom in order to remain unbiased in testimony