Medical Expert Witnesses
Plastic Surgery
A plastic surgeon deals with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system, craniomaxillofacial structures, hand, extremities, breast and trunk, and external genitalia or cosmetic enhancement of these areas of the body. Cosmetic surgery is an essential component of plastic surgery. The plastic surgeon uses cosmetic surgical principles to both improve overall appearance and to optimize the outcome of reconstructive procedures. Training required prior to certification: Six to eight years
Internal Medicine
An internist is a personal physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and in the hospital, managing both common and complex illnesses of adolescents, adults, and the elderly. Internists are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, infections, and diseases affecting the heart, blood, kidneys, joints, and the digestive, respiratory, and vascular systems. They are also trained in the essentials of primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health, and effective treatment of common problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system, and reproductive organs. Training required prior to certification: Three years
Urology
A urologist, also known as a genitourinary surgeon, focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the urinary tracts of males and females, and on the reproductive system of males. This specialist manages non-surgical problems such as urinary tract infections and benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as surgical problems such as the surgical management of cancers, the correction of congenital abnormalities, and correcting stress incontinence. Training required prior to certification: Five years
Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
An otolaryngologist – head and neck surgeon provides medical and/ or surgical therapy for the prevention of diseases, allergies, neoplasms, deformities, disorders, and/or injuries of the ears, nose, sinuses, throat, respiratory, and upper alimentary systems, face, jaws, and the other head and neck systems. Head and neck oncology, facial, plastic, and reconstructive surgery and the treatment of disorders of hearing and voice are fundamental areas of expertise. Training required prior to certification: Five years
Dermatology
A dermatologist is a physician with training and expertise in the diagnosis and medical/surgical management of diseases of the skin, hair and nails, and mucous membranes. Training required prior to certification: Four years.
Radiology
A radiologist is a physician who uses imaging methodologies to diagnose and manage patients and provide therapeutic options. Physicians practicing in the field of Radiology specialize in Diagnostic Radiology, Interventional Radiology, or Radiation Oncology. They may certify in a number of subspecialties. The board also certifies in Medical Physics and issues specific certificates within each discipline.
Family Medicine
Family physicians provide front-line health care that is accessible, high quality, comprehensive and continuous over time for people of all ages, life stages, backgrounds and conditions. They care for individuals and for entire families, from birth through the end of life, including a broad range of preventive care; healthy lifestyle counseling; mental health care; care of acute illnesses; management of chronic diseases, including patients with multi-morbidity. When needed, they also provide referral and coordination of care with other specialists. Training required prior to certification: Three years
Emergency Medicine
A physician who specializes in Emergency Medicine focuses on the immediate decision making and action necessary to prevent death or any further disability both in the pre-hospital setting by directing emergency medical technicians and in the emergency department. This specialist provides immediate recognition, evaluation, care, stabilization, and disposition of a generally diversified population of adult and pediatric patients in response to acute illness and injury. Training required prior to certification: Three to four years
Pathology (Anatomic/ Clinical)
A pathologist deals with the causes and nature of disease and contributes to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the biologic, chemical, and physical sciences. This specialist uses information gathered from the microscopic examination of tissue specimens, cells and body fluids, and from clinical laboratory tests on body fluids and secretions for the diagnosis, exclusion, and monitoring of disease. To acknowledge the diverse activities in the practice of Pathology and to accommodate the interests of individuals wanting to enter the field, the American Board of Pathology offers primary certification through the following three routes: combined Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology, Anatomic Pathology only, and Clinical Pathology only. A variety of subspecialty certificates are offered. Primary certification in Anatomic Pathology or Clinical Pathology may be combined with some of the subspecialty certifications. Training required prior to certification: Three to four years
Colon and Rectal Surgery
A colon and rectal surgeon diagnoses and treats various diseases of the small intestine, colon, rectum, anal canal, and perianal area including the organs and tissues related with primary intestinal diseases (liver, urinary, and female reproductive system). This specialist treats conditions such as hemorrhoids, fissures (painful tears in the anal lining), abscesses and fistulaes (infections located around the anus and rectum). A colon and rectal surgeon diagnoses and treats problems of the intestine and colon such as cancer, polyps (precancerous growths), and inflammatory conditions. Training required prior to certification: Five years training in General Surgery; one year in Colon and Rectal Surgery
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology is a specialty focused on the medical and surgical care of the eyes. Ophthalmologists are the only physicians medically trained to manage the complete range of eye and vision care. They can prescribe glasses and contact lenses, dispense medications, diagnose and treat eye conditions and diseases, and perform surgeries. Training required prior to certification: Four years
Neurological Surgery
Neurological Surgery constitutes a medical discipline and surgical specialty that provides care for adult and pediatric patients in the treatment of pain or pathological processes that may modify the function or activity of the central nervous system (e.g., brain, hypophysis, and spinal cord), the peripheral nervous system (e.g., cranial, spinal, and peripheral nerves), the autonomic nervous system, the supporting structures of these systems (e.g., meninges, skull and skull base, and vertebral column), and their vascular supply (e.g., intracranial, extracranial, and spinal vasculature). Treatment encompasses both non-operative management (e.g., prevention, diagnosis—including image interpretation—and treatments such as, but not limited to, neurocritical intensive care and rehabilitation) and operative management with its associated image use and interpretation (e.g., endovascular surgery, functional and restorative surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, and spinal fusion—including its instrumentation). Training required prior to certification: Seven years
Obstetrics and Gynecology
An obstetrician/gynecologist focuses on the health of women before, during, and after childbearing years, diagnosing and treating conditions of the reproductive system and associated disorders. Training required prior to certification: Four years
Orthopaedic Surgery
An orthopaedic surgeon is educated in the preservation, investigation, and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine, and associated structures by medical, surgical, and physical means. This specialist is involved with the care of patients whose musculoskeletal problems include congenital deformities, trauma, infections, tumors, metabolic disturbances of the musculoskeletal system, deformities, injuries, and degenerative diseases of the spine, hands, feet, knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow in children and adults. An orthopaedic surgeon is also concerned with primary and secondary muscular problems and the effects of central or peripheral nervous system lesions of the musculoskeletal system. Training required prior to certification: Five years
Pediatrics
Pediatricians practice the specialty of medical science concerned with the physical, emotional, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Pediatric care encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. Pediatricians understand the many factors that affect the growth and development of children. They understand that children are not simply small adults. Children change rapidly, and they must be approached with an appreciation for their stage of physical and mental development. Training required prior to certification: Three years
Thoracic Surgery
Thoracic surgery encompasses the operative, perioperative, and surgical critical care of patients with acquired and congenital pathologic conditions within the chest. Thoracic surgeons treat diseased or injured organs in the chest, including the esophagus (muscular tube that passes food to the stomach), trachea (windpipe), pleura (membranes that cover and protect the lung), mediastinum (area separating the left and right lungs that contains the heart), chest wall, diaphragm (separates the chest from the abdomen), pericardium (membrane covering the heart), heart (including the pericardium, coronary arteries, valves and myocardium), and lungs. The most common diseases requiring thoracic surgery include heart lesions, such as coronary artery disease and valve problems, lung cancer, chest trauma, esophageal cancer, emphysema, and heart and lung transplantation. Training required prior to certification: Six to nine years
Surgery
A Surgeon uses operative measures to treat disease, injuries, and disorders or repair tissues or organs. Surgeons are responsible for the diagnosis and preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patient care. During the course of the operation, the surgeon makes important decisions about the patient’s health, safety, and welfare, working in cooperation with other members of the surgical team. To acknowledge the specialized activities and interests of individuals wanting to become surgeons, the American Board of Surgery offers primary certification in Surgery and Vascular Surgery. A variety of subspecialty certificates are offered.
Medical Genetics and Genomics
Medical geneticists specialize in medicine that involves the interaction between genes and health. They are trained to evaluate, diagnose, manage, treat, and counsel individuals of all ages with hereditary disorders. This specialist uses modern cytogenetic, molecular, genomic, and biochemical genetic testing to assist in specialized diagnostic evaluations, implement needed therapeutic interventions, and provide genetic counseling and prevention through prenatal and preimplantation diagnosis. The medical geneticist plans and coordinates screening for genetic diseases involving single gene and chromosomal disorders, congenital anomalies, inborn errors of metabolism, multifactorial conditions, and common disorders with hereditary factors. Training required prior to certification: Two to three years Certification in one of the following areas of Medical Genetics requires specialized training and assessment as specified by the board.
Allergy and Immunology
An allergist-immunologist diagnoses and manages disorders involving immune system conditions such as asthma, anaphylaxis, rhinitis, and eczema as well as adverse reactions to drugs, foods, and insect stings; also immune deficiency diseases and problems related to autoimmune disease, organ transplantation, or malignancies of the immune system. No subspecialty certificates in allergy and immunology are offered. However, formal special pathways are available for physicians seeking dual certification in Allergy/Immunology and Pediatric Pulmonology; Allergy and Immunology and Pediatric Rheumatology; and Allergy and Immunology and Adult Rheumatology. Additional information is available from the board. Training required prior to certification: Three years training in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics; 2 years specialty training in Allergy and Immunology.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
A specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, also called a physiatrist, evaluates and treats patients with disorders or disabilities in the muscles, bones, and nervous system, including neck or back pain, sports and work injuries, stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, spasticity, and any other disability or disorder that affects function. A physiatrist may lead a team of medical professionals to help patients improve their physical, psychological, social, and vocational function, and are dedicated to the whole person, including treating pain, restoring function, and improving quality of life. Treatment modalities may include medications, injections, therapeutic exercise, electrodiagnosis, and any equipment required for daily activities. Training required prior to certification: Four years
Nuclear Medicine
A specialist in Nuclear Medicine uses molecular tracers (usually labeled with radioactive atoms) for diagnosis and therapy. These labeled tracers are most often used to produce images that provide information about organ function, as well as cellular function on a molecular level (molecular imaging). Molecular imaging can be combined with anatomical imaging by using specialized cameras. The most common diagnostic applications of Nuclear Medicine include the early detection of coronary artery disease, cancer diagnosis and staging, and the evaluation of the effect of cancer treatment. The fusion of molecular and anatomical information increases diagnostic accuracy and changes medical management. Radioactive materials are also used to treat a variety of health problems, including thyroid disorders and cancer. Training required prior to certification: Four years
Psychiatry and Neurology
A psychiatrist specializes in the evaluation and treatment of mental, addictive, and emotional disorders such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substancerelated disorders, sexual and gender-identity disorders, and adjustment disorders. Training required prior to certification: Four years A neurologist specializes in the evaluation and treatment of all types of disease or impaired function of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, and autonomic nervous system, as well as the blood vessels that relate to these structures. The disorders include: stroke, brain and spinal tumors, muscular dystrophy, headache and other pain, meningitis, encephalitis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders, multiple sclerosis, and effects of systemic diseases, like high blood pressure and diabetes, on the nervous system. Training required prior to certification: Four years
Anesthesiology
An anesthesiologist is a physician who provides anesthesia for patients undergoing surgical, obstetric, diagnostic, or therapeutic procedures while monitoring the patient’s condition and supporting vital organ functions. The anesthesiologist also diagnoses and treats acute, chronic, and/or cancer pain as well as provides resuscitation and medical management for patients with critical illnesses and severe injuries. Training required prior to certification: Four years
Preventive Medicine
A specialist in Preventive Medicine focuses on the health of individuals and defined populations in order to protect, promote, and maintain health and well-being, and to prevent disease, disability, and premature death. They may be a specialist in Public Health and General Preventive Medicine, Occupational Medicine, or Aerospace Medicine. The distinctive components of Preventive Medicine include: • Biostatistics and the application of biostatistical principles and methodology; • Epidemiology and its application to population-based medicine and research; • Health services management and administration including: developing, assessing, and assuring health policies; planning, implementing, directing, budgeting, and evaluating population health and disease management programs; and utilizing legislative and regulatory processes to enhance health; • Control of environmental factors that may adversely affect health; • Control and prevention of occupational factors that may adversely affect health safety; • Clinical preventive medicine activities, including measures to promote health and prevent the occurrence, progression, and disabling effects of disease and injury; and • Assessment of social, cultural, and behavioral influences on health. Training required prior to certification: Four years
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Medical expert witness do?
A Medical expert witness provides specialized testimony and analysis in legal proceedings. They leverage their professional experience to help attorneys and courts understand complex technical matters.
When do attorneys need a Medical expert witness?
Attorneys typically retain Medical expert witnesses for cases involving technical disputes, professional malpractice claims, regulatory compliance issues, and matters requiring specialized knowledge that is beyond the understanding of a typical juror.
How are Medical expert witnesses qualified?
Medical expert witnesses are evaluated based on their academic credentials, professional certifications, years of experience in their field, prior testimony history, and peer-reviewed publications. Courts assess qualifications under standards like Daubert or Frye.
How much does a Medical expert witness cost?
Rates vary by experience, case complexity, and geographic location. Browse our directory of 2085 Medical experts to compare qualifications and find the right fit for your case.