Litigations amongst Female Surgeons: The Current Trends

Kandace Kichler, Jessica L. Buicko, Emily Ryon, Lucy De La Cruz and Sharona B Ross

Department of Surgery, University of Miami, USA
Department of Surgery, Florida Hospital Tampa, USA

^*Correspondance to: Jessica L. Buicko 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.1235

Abstract

Introduction: Medical malpractice lawsuits place a heavy burden on a surgeon’s career and often acquire media attention, potentially ruining ones professional reputation. Avoiding litigations is one goal of many practitioners, especially with the high cost of malpractice insurance. An increasing number of women are choosing a career in Surgery, which places them at increased risk of incurring malpractice claims.Objective: We sought to evaluate the rate of litigation amongst women surgeons in the state of Florida and identify any trends regarding settlement amount, type of claim and subspecialty.Results: Women surgeons and malpractice claims were identified using the American College of Surgeons database as well as the Medical Professional Liability (MPL) Claims Database. Our search yielded 269 practicing women surgeons, 53 of whom had been involved in lawsuits. There were 87 claims overall, of which 60% resulted in anindemnity payment. The average number of claims per surgeon was 0.32, with pediatric subspecialists facing the highest rate, at 0.75 claims per surgeon.Conclusion: Women surgeons are at risk for litigation at some point during their career, particularly those practicing Pediatric Surgery. Further analysis of a male comparison arm will help elucidate the role of gender in malpractice litigation.

Keywords

Medical professional liability; Litigation; Claims database

Cite the article

Kichler K, Buicko JL, Ryon E, De La Cruz L, Ross SB. Litigations amongst Female Surgeons: The Current Trends. Clin Surg. 2016; 1: 1235.