Inside Medical Malpractice

Trauma Informed Lawyering, Part 3, with Lawyer Sonia Nijjar

This month, on Inside Medical Malpractice, part three of a 4-part series on Trauma Informed Lawyering. Listen in as lawyer Sonia Nijjar, associate lawyer and director of business development and knowledge management at Neinstein Personal Injury Law Firm in Toronto tells us how dealing with medical malpractice clients at a very difficult time in their lives affect her.  Knowing how very wrong things can go in healthcare led to a hypervigilance during her own pregnancy and opened her eyes to s...

Learn More About Lawyer Sonia Nijjar

In this short, but highly personal episode, lawyer Sonia Nijjar tells us how she spends her time when she’s not working,  the challenge of Toronto winters, her life as a curious, independent child, her favorite foods, her all time favorite show, her greatest joy (her son!) and so much more. Learn what this intelligent, articulate lawyer would love to do if she weren’t lawyering.  Her strategy for happiness?  The balance of “not letting any part of me become all of me.” This is a great episod...

SOGC Guideline No. 441 Update: Antenatal Fetal Health Surveillance with co-author Dr. Sharon Dore

This informative presentation features Dr. Sharon Dore, principal author, and Clinical Associate Professor at McMaster University. The goal of Guideline No. 441 is the early identification of potential fetal decompensation, allowing for interventions that support fetal well-being, or expedite delivery. Changes around assessment of fundal height, fetal movement, amniotic fluid measurement and fetal health surveillance affect the nursing and medical standards of care, as well as the analysis o...

Trauma Informed Lawyering (Part 2) with Kara Hardin Former Lawyer, Psychotherapist, Mental Health Educator

This month, on Inside Medical Malpractice, part two a 4-part series on Trauma Informed Lawyering. Listen in as Kara Hardin former lawyer, psychotherapist, mental health educator and co-owner of The Practice Lab talks about how our childhood search for safety, security, connection and belonging continue to shape our actions as adults.  Learn to notice how and when trauma response shows up and deciding how to move forward with compassion. There’s a fascinating discussion on how the ways we lea...

Learn More About Olivia Scobie

 In this short, but personal episode, Olivia Scobie offers fun and surprising insights into her pastimes, favourite food at an Egyptian brunch, the very particular music she dances to, the TV show “Naked and Afraid” and the alternate career path she might have chosen. Olivia shares two strategies for happiness (first of all, don’t focus on happiness) and offers her younger self some really heartfelt advice. Who is it that influenced Olivia the most and what do people must often get wrong abo...

Trauma Informed Lawyering with Olivia Scobie RSW, MSW, MA Sociology

This month, on Inside Medical Malpractice, the first of a 4 part series on Trauma Informed Lawyering.  Whether you’re a lawyer, a healthcare provider, a family who has experienced medical trauma, or someone who knows some who has, I promise there is something valuable here. This series will focus on the personal and vicarious trauma experienced during pregnancy and birth. Listen in as Olivia Scobie, Co-Founder of the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Training and Registered Social Worker star...

Trauma Informed Lawyering (Part 1) with Olivia Scobie RSW, MSW, MA Sociology

This month, on Inside Medical Malpractice, the first of a 4 part series on Trauma Informed Lawyering.  Whether you’re a lawyer, a healthcare provider, a family who has experienced medical trauma, or someone who knows some who has, I promise there is something valuable here. This series will focus on the personal and vicarious trauma experienced during pregnancy and birth. Listen in as Olivia Scobie, Co-Founder of the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Training and Registered Social Worker star...

Nurse on Trial. RaDonda Vaught Part 2. In Her Own Words.

Here it is! Part 2 of the open and honest conversation with former Tennessee RN RaDonda Vaught. On March 25, 2022, a jury found RaDonda guilty of criminally negligent homicide for her part in a fatal medication error at Nashville’s Vanderbilt University Medical Center. If you haven’t heard part one of this conversation, go back and listen.  It opens on the fateful day RaDonda accidently injected a paralyzing drug into Charlene Murphey and ends with her tearful meeting of Mrs. Murphey’s grand...

A Fatal Medication Error in Tennessee. An Interview with RN RaDonda Vaught. Part 1.

On this episode of ‘Inside Medical Malpractice’, an interview like you’ve never heard before.  Listen in as Chris Rokosh talks to former Registered Nurse RaDonda Vaught. On March 25, 2022, a jury found RaDonda guilty of criminally negligent homicide for her part in a fatal medication error at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Criminal prosecution of a nurse is rare, but it happened.  And, when things go wrong, it’s easier to talk about a bad nurse than to examine ...

Unsafe or Improper Use of Medical Equipment with Lawyer Ray Wagner K.C.

This episode of ‘Inside Medical Malpractice’ is the fourth in a series exploring the top 5 issues in medical malpractice:  Assessment, Medication Errors, Communication, Unsafe Use of Equipment and Infection Control and Infection Control.  Nova Scotia Lawyer Ray Wagner tackles the fascinating subject of Equipment Errors, which can result in individual malpractice cases or class action lawsuits. Specialized equipment is used all through the spectrum of healthcare delivery;  to make the origina...

Learn More About Lawyer Ray Wagner K.C.

In this brief, but personal episode of ‘Inside Medical Malpractice’ Nova Scotia lawyer Ray Wagner talks about his day-to-day life, his busy mind, and the honourable motivation behind everything he does.  He shares how his lifetime love of the nature, and the great outdoors provides joy and distraction from the hard work of running his own firm, and the surprising alternate career path he might have chosen if he weren’t a lawyer. Learn about Ray’s strategy for success, the advice he’d offer h...

Communication Errors in Health Care - What Doctors Say, What Patients Hear with Dr. Danielle Ofri MD PHD

This month, Inside Medical Malpractice returns focus to one of the 5 top issues in malpractice litigation:  communication.  Listen as repeat guest Dr. Danielle Ofri MD, PhD ,one of the most thought provoking and influential voices in healthcare today, discusses her book ‘What Patients Say, What Doctors Hear’. Dr. Ofri says that the doctor patient interview remains the single most powerful diagnostic tool in medicine. But what patients say and what doctors hear are often two very different th...

A Medical Malpractice Lawyer Has Another Baby - Maia Tomljanovic of Cuming & Gillespie

The Holidays are almost here!  So, this month on ‘Inside Medical Malpractice’ we’re taking a break from talking about the 5 most common litigation issues, to bring you a story about the birth of a beautiful baby boy. In this episode, Chris Rokosh welcomes back Maia Tomljanovic. Her 2020 podcast ‘A Medical Malpractice Lawyer Has a Baby’ was, and still is, one of the top 5 downloaded episodes of all time.  It’s not only a great story with a happy ending, but a personal, insightful, and inspiri...

Medication Errors and Malpractice Cases. A Conversation with Lawyer Paul Cahill

This episode of ‘Inside Medical Malpractice’ is the second in a five-part series exploring top issues in medical malpractice:  Assessment, Medication Errors, Communication, Infection Control and Unsafe Use of Equipment.  Repeat guest Paul Cahill tackles the tough subject of Medication Errors, which are so pervasive they make up 3 of the 15 “Never Events’ in healthcare.  There are 10 ‘rights’ to medication administration which are considered basic knowledge for all healthcare providers.  If f...

Stay Vigilant. Remain Diligent. Never Get Complacent. A Case Study on Assessment with Lawyer Richard Halpern

This episode of ‘Inside Medical Malpractice’ is the first of a five-part series exploring some of the top issues in malpractice;  Assessment, Medication Errors, Communication, Infection Control and Unsafe Use of Equipment.  Repeat guest Richard Halpern tackles the topic of Assessment, a skill considered fundamental for healthcare providers and a critical element of patient safety.  Many malpractice cases include allegations that assessments weren’t completed often enough, thoroughly enough, ...

Assessment Errors. Never Get Complacent. A Case Study with Lawyer Richard Halpern

This episode of ‘Inside Medical Malpractice’ is the first of a five-part series exploring some of the top issues in malpractice;  Assessment, Medication Errors, Communication, Infection Control and Unsafe Use of Equipment.  Repeat guest Richard Halpern tackles the topic of Assessment, a skill considered fundamental for healthcare providers and a critical element of patient safety.  Many malpractice cases include allegations that assessments weren’t completed often enough, thoroughly enough, ...

‘Get Ready. Stay Ready’. How to Prepare For & Execute In the Spotlight – with NHL/ESPN Analyst Kevin Weekes

This month on ‘Inside Medical Malpractice’ something different! This episode has something for everyone! Listen in as Chris Rokosh has an amazing conversation with Kevin Weekes, a former NHL Goalie and currently an on-air ESPN Hockey analyst! The subject is ‘Get Ready. Stay Ready’ and it’s a conversation about how to think ‘on your feet’. Kevin’s ability to read the room, stay cool under pressure, and react with calm amid chaos is a wonder. There’s a great discussion on how to always be on y...

Transparency, Compassion, and Truth in Medical Errors with Leilani Schweitzer of Stanford Health Care

In this episode of ‘Inside Medical Malpractice’ Chris Rokosh has a conversation she’s been wanting to have for almost 10 years.  Stanford University Hospital Patient Liaison Leilani Schweitzer tells the story of how her 20-month-old son Gabriel died at after a series of medical errors.  The story of Gabriel’s death is heart breaking.  But the story of how transparency, compassion and truth can heal in the aftermath of medical error, is a gift.  Leilani now works in risk management at the sam...

Learn More about Leilani Schweitzer

In this brief, but personal episode of ‘Inside Medical Malpractice’ Leilani Schweitzer talks about day-to-day life, which starts with an early morning and some quiet moments.  She shares how her lifetime love of art helped her heal after Gabriel’s death and provides a joyful outlet for her creativity.  Hear about what it’s like to give a TED talk (she gave two!), the way it changed her life and the surprising alternate career path she might have chosen. Learn what gets her up in the morning,...

Medical Malpractice and Assisted Fertility with Lawyer Duncan Embury

In this timely and fascinating episode of Inside Medical Malpractice Toronto plaintiff’s lawyer Duncan Embury talks about the incredible challenges of litigating Florence v. Benzaquen. This case involves a 26-year-old woman who was prescribed fertility drugs in 2007, and quickly became pregnant with triplets. As often happens with multiple pregnancies, preterm labor and prematurity were a real threat. The babies, two boys and a girl, were delivered more than 3 months early, on New Year’s Day...

Medical Malpractice and Assisted Fertility

In this timely and fascinating episode of Inside Medical Malpractice Toronto plaintiff’s lawyer Duncan Embury talks about the incredible challenges of litigating Florence v. Benzaquen. This case involves a 26-year-old woman who was prescribed fertility drugs in 2007, and quickly became pregnant with triplets. As often happens with multiple pregnancies, preterm labor and prematurity were a real threat. The babies, two boys and a girl, were delivered more than 3 months early, on New Year’s Day...

The Best of Inside Medical Malpractice Part 2

Chris Rokosh ends almost every episode of Inside Medical Malpractice with the question “What is the most important thing you’d like doctors, nurses, lawyers, and the public to know about medical malpractice?”. The answers came from healthcare providers, plaintiff and defense lawyers, and a supreme court judge.  The responses are as different as their perspectives….but always honest, insightful, and thought provoking. In this episode, listen in as Dr. Michael Narvey, Former Chief Supreme Cour...

The Best of Inside Medical Malpractice Part 1

This month on ‘Inside Medical Malpractice’, the first of two ‘best of the best’ podcasts!  Almost every episode over the past 2 years ended with the question “What is the most important thing you’d like doctors, nurses, lawyers, and the public to know about medical malpractice?” Our guests came from across Canada and the US and included healthcare providers, plaintiff and defense lawyers, and a supreme court judge.  Their answers to the question were as different as their unique perspectives...

Chris Rokosh and Dr. Laura Fortner Ob/Gyn and Certified Life Coach; Turning Pain into Purpose

In this fascinating episode of Inside Medical Malpractice, Chris Rokosh talks with Ob/Gyn and owner of The Med Mal Coach Dr. Laura Fortner.  Several years ago, Dr. Laura was sued for malpractice.  Her case was opened, dismissed, re-opened, went to trial, appealed and is currently making its way through the Ohio Supreme Court.  The accompanying feelings of shame, loneliness, anger, doubt, fear, and helplessness affected every aspect of life for nearly 5 years.  Until Dr. Laura sought the help...

Learn More about Dr. Laura Fortner

In this brief, but personal episode of Inside Medical Malpractice, Dr. Laura talks about why she chose the exhausting, high risk area of Obstetrics and shares some of her favorite moments from Labor and Delivery.  She also talks about her busy life at home (four kids, a dairy farm, a husband, and a new business!) and the surprising career path she would have taken if she hadn’t become a doctor.  You’ll hear about the joy that gets her up in the morning, the things that keep her awake at nigh...

Chris Rokosh and Aleks Mladenovic; A Difficult Road Can Sometimes Lead to a Great Destination.

In this moving, inspirational episode of Inside Medical Malpractice, Chris Rokosh talks with Toronto medical malpractice lawyer Aleks Mladenovic.  In 2019, Alex was completely surprised to learn he had bowel cancer.  At the time, he was a young, busy successful lawyer who was forced to quickly face a cancer diagnosis, find a way to enter and trust a healthcare system that he had sued multiple times, overcome the challenges of treatments, and undergo multiple surgeries that included life thre...

Learn More about Aleks Mladenovic

In this brief, but personal episode of Inside Medical Malpractice, Aleks Mladenovic talks about his life outside of the office, describes what he was like as a child, what got him into malpractice law and shares what gets him up in the morning and what worries him in the middle of the night. He also offers some great advice to his younger self and shares the story of the beautiful people in his life who were, and still are, an important influence.  This is a lovely, listenable episode you wo...

‘The Christmas Effect’ Senior Trial Lawyer Barb Legate Discusses a Newborn Injury

Entering the healthcare system can be risky at any time, but is even riskier during the Christmas holidays, over long weekends and on July 1st.  In this episode, Chris Rokosh talks with Barb Legate, a well-respected and highly experienced medical negligence lawyer from London, Ontario.  Listen in as they discuss a case of newborn injury that unfolded over the Christmas holidays in the special care nursery of a large teaching hospital. This was a case of newborn jaundice that progressed to ke...

Learn More About Senior Trial Lawyer Barb Legate

In this brief, but personal interview, Barb Legate tells us why she became a medical negligence lawyer, shares her love of gardening and family, and dishes a couple of surprising facts about herself (She has a worm farm!).  After 4 decades of lawyering, hear how it’s the strong and brave parents of the children she represents that motivate her to get out of bed every morning.  Barb tells us who the most important influences in her life are, offers advice to her younger self, and after some r...

Atlanta Attorney John E. Hall Jr. Talks about Physician Defense

Attorney John E. Hall, Jr. set out to build Hall Booth Smith into the finest litigation firm in the Southeastern US and he’s done just that. John is, among other things, a highly respected and experienced physician defense lawyer. His exceptional skill landed him a position on the National Counsel, a team of select attorneys who assist local counsel on birth trauma and other high exposure catastrophic cases.  Listen in as John discusses his view on how inflated malpractice verdicts could res...

Learn More About Angela King, RN, Legal Nurse Consultant, Expert Witness

In this short but personal podcast Angela King talks about her background, her family and how she spends her time when she’s not busy being a nurse.  She offers some great advice for her younger self, to nurses just starting out and talks about the career path she would have chosen if she hadn’t been a nurse.  She also tells us about the most important influence in her life and describes her superpower and how she uses it.  It’s a great podcast! For more medical legal education, visit our we...

Two Obstetrical Nurse Experts Talk it Out; Chris Rokosh sits down with Angela King

In this episode of Inside Medical Malpractice, Chris Rokosh sits down with Ontario Perinatal Nurse expert witness Angela King.  Listen in as these two share a wealth of experience as Obstetrical experts, hard working Labor and Delivery nurses, mothers, and care providers.  Don’t miss the hearing about Angela’s most memorable cases, and her stories about being on a front line worker in a busy hospital during the seemingly never-ending COVID pandemic. Angela shares that the experience of havin...

Nashville 'Super Lawyer' Randy Kinnard Shares Amazing War Stories

Attorney Randy Kinnard is considered one of the best lawyers in Nashville.  He is a highly respected legal professional and a decorated Vietnam veteran who has been recognized by countless organizations for his exceptional skill in and out of the courtroom.  His secret?  An emphasis on professional competence and great respect for all.  Listen in as Randy discusses two of his most interesting cases; one of which resulted in $55 million in damages and the other, the largest medical malpractic...

Learn More about Randy Kinnard

In this brief, but honest interview Randy Kinnard shares how he spends his time when he’s not busy lawyering and talks about the people who helped shape his life. I’m pretty sure he named Thumper the Rabbit as one of his biggest influences (!) Randy talks about the struggle to overcome survivor guilt from the Vietnam war and tells the amazing story of how a bad golf shot led him to a gravestone, which brought him to his knees, and led him to the counsellor that changed his life.  Listen in a...

Chris Rokosh on building Connect Medical Legal Experts

This month, Chris Rokosh sits in the hot seat!  Listen as Angela Armstrong of Prime Capital Group interviews Chris about her entrepreneurial journey on the podcast ‘Prime for Growth; Conversations with Everyday Innovators’.  Chris answers questions about the early days of life as a Legal Nurse Consultant and the ups and downs of growing Connect Experts into the business it is today. Hear how the journey hasn’t been just about getting somewhere - it's about staying focused on core values and ...

Dr. Michael Narvey - Life as a Neonatologist

In this podcast, Dr. Michael Narvey talks about his life’s work as a Neonatologist at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Center.  Learn how he came to the honorable profession of caring for the tiniest, most vulnerable patients, what a ‘normal’ day looks like in the NICU, and the parts of his job that he loves…..and doesn’t. Dr. Narvey talks about how his work as an medical legal expert witness has not only changed his own medical practice for the better, but changed how he teaches students and re...

Learn More About Dr. Michael Narvey

In this brief, but personal episode Dr. Narvey  talks about growing up in Manitoba (a native Winnipegger!), his family, and his current life at home.  Listen in as he shares how he spends his time off, what hobbies he enjoys, offers advice to his younger self and tells us what most people get wrong about him.  Then, he talks about his one amazing superpower, and how he uses it at home, at work, and with his patients.  Don’t miss this one! For more medical legal education, visit our website h...

Nurse Lawyer Farah Ismail Shines a Light on Long Term Care

Inside Medical Malpractice welcomes Nurse Lawyer Farah Ismail back for another fascinating discussion on Long Term Care.  This episode shines a light on some of the events that have challenged the Ontario LTC system over the past few years, including a nurse serial killer and a seemingly never-ending pandemic.  Don’t miss Farah’s insightful discussion into the unique challenges of Long-Term Care and offers advice for families, facilities and healthcare professionals on how to keep residents ...

NY Lawyer Michael Kaplen Talks about Brain Injury and Medical Malpractice

In this podcast, New York Lawyer Michael Kaplen shares his story about the client who focused his practice on brain injury litigation, which began a journey that led all the way to the White House.  Michael offers multiple examples of how the medical management or misdiagnosis of brain injury can result in malpractice litigation.  He then walks us through the process of a lawsuit in the NY which highlights some of the unique elements of US litigation.  Michael offers particular insight into ...

Now available - Certificates of Completion

Now available for listeners who require proof of professional development, we’ve added an exam and/or  downloadable certificate.  See details at http://www.ConnectMLX.com/podcasts. 

Learn More About Dr. Colin Birch

In this brief, but personal interview, Ob/Gyn Dr. Colin Birch tells us how he spends his time when he’s not working, offers advice for young medical students and shares what he would wish for his younger self. Learn about his journey from England to Canada, what people most often get wrong about him, and the amazing gift of loving your work.  Don’t miss this honest, open, insightful conversation with one of the busiest people I’ve met! For more medical legal education, visit our website http...

Dr. Colin Birch, Obstetrician/Gynecologist Talks about Medical Malpractice

Dr. Colin Birch, Chief of Obstetrics at the Foothills Medical Center, opens this podcast with a fascinating discussion on the growing body of information surrounding the effects of COVID-19 on pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Then, he shares such an interesting and well-rounded perspective on medical malpractice, as the defendant in a lawsuit, a practicing physician, and a medical expert witness.  Listen as Dr. Birch shares how these experiences changed not only his personal approach to medic...

Learn More About Brian Devlin

In this brief, but insightful interview Brian Devlin considers the next phase of his life, talks about his family, his hobbies, his love of music and travel and tells us what people most often get wrong about him.  He also shares the superpower that has allowed him to live a life of no regrets.  Bonus! Brian plays an original guitar solo at the end of this podcast.  Don’t miss it! For more medical legal education, visit our website https://www.connectmlx.com/connect-to-education/connect-to-e...

Brian Devlin QC of Law Fifty One Shares a Lifetime of Experience

In this podcast, Brian Devlin QC tells the story of journey that started from very humble beginnings, with an English degree, a rock band and a completely unplanned, unexpected entry into law school. Brian’s 40 years career has included criminal defense, personal injury, and hundreds of medical malpractice cases. Listen as he talks about the details of his very first malpractice case, shares the secret to his success as a lawyer and what he’s doing to share his knowledge to the up-and-coming...

Thanks for a great first year!

Thanks you for a great first year!

Michael Waite QC of Carbert Waite LLP Talks About Nursing Defence Law

In this podcast, Michael Waite QC from Carbert Waite LLP presents another side of the medical malpractice story; the perspective of a hospital defence lawyer.  He answers questions like how and when does a nurse find out she’s been sued?  What’s the process like from start to finish, and how long does it take? What are the professional obligations of a nurse who finds themself in the legal system? How many nurses actually remember the details of the lawsuit? How important is nursing document...

Learn More about Michael Waite QC, Carbert Waite LLP

Listen in as Mike Waite talks about his journey into health law, his family, how he loves to spend time off and what his two sons are up to. Mike shares how he hopes his work as a hospital defense lawyer will contribute to patient safety in the future.  Learn what keeps him up at night, what gets him up in the morning and what’s getting him through the pandemic.  Also find out what people most often get wrong about him, and what advice would he offer his younger self if he could.  Don’t miss...

Learn More About Dr. Rick Rayman, DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)

In this insightful and personal interview, Dr. Rayman shares the joys of 49 years of marriage with Marsha, talks about his impressive running career (377 marathons so far!), what gets him up at 5 a.m. every day, and what keeps him up at night.  His priorities are like this; family, passions, profession. He also offers great advice on how he hopes his work might change dental practice in the future and the advice he would offer his younger self. Don’t miss this lovely podcast. For more medica...

Dr. Richard Rayman DDS Discusses His Role as a Dental Malpractice Expert

In this very unique episode of Inside Medical Malpractice, Chris Rokosh talks with University of Toronto Professor Dr. Rick Rayman about his work as a Dental Malpractice Expert.  Dr. Rayman shares the highs and lows of expert witness work and discusses how legal knowledge has, without any doubt, made him a better educator. For dentists and students of dentistry, Dr. Rayman identifies the biggest issues in dental malpractice today and offers great advice on how to avoid a lawsuit.  For doctor...