Conference Overview

To err is human, but so is the ability to anticipate and prevent or avoid medical error. When death or permanent harm occurs as a consequence of medical negligence, there is little, if any, likelihood that survivor or family will readily accept the refrain “to err is human”. Fortunately, not all who fall victim to medical error initiate legal action, but many do. The National Practitioner Database shows that between 2006-2016, for 102,659 sued physicians, there were 109,672 malpractice payments, and 60,460 Adverse Action Reports. The Physicians Insurers Association of America had, by 2012, paid out 81,000 claims, totaling nearly $25,000,000,000.

Despite the evolution of a “culture of patient safety” over almost two decades, death and harm due to medical negligence remain a serious problem. Indeed, estimates clearly indicate that medical negligence is the third cause of death in the US, after heart disease and cancer. It is of no comfort to know that medical negligence is universal.

While the causes of medical negligence are multi-factorial and complex, individual and systemic, there is a clear need for a fundamental change in the education of medical students and the training of residents. Moreover, required risk management credits for practicing physicians have largely been ineffective, and a new approach is long overdue.

These two multispecialty conferences bring into sharp focus new and established guidelines and standards of care, issues of competence, new advances, new judicial opinions, and ethics. The first conference concentrates on pregnancy, its management and the newborn, while the interdigitating and overlapping second conference takes up discussion along similar themes, but in multiple specialties.

 

Target Audience

The major objectives in these two conferences are to enhance the continuing education of a range of specialties in medicine and allied professions, including obstetrics, gynecology, midwifery, neonatology, medicine, surgery, family medicine, emergency medicine, cardiology, radiology, human genetics, and ethics. The key reasons that have characterized the success of these conferences for the past 34 and 18 years, respectively, are the highly qualified and renowned medical faculty, and the insights and lessons concerning the role of law and lawyers, communicated by acknowledged “super lawyers.” Only through a thorough understanding of the complexities of medicine and law can physicians and litigators hope to deal effectively with the continuing challenges of medical and legal practice.

The specific goals of these conferences are to:

1. Teach healthcare professionals to better comprehend the machinations of negligence law, and to develop a more complete awareness of the need for anticipatory and safety practice.
2. Teach legal professionals about the complex issues encountered in the practice of medicine, including the intricacies of decision-making, aiming to sharpen their understanding on behalf of their clients, both plaintiff and defense.

 

Once again, an extraordinarily experienced and superb faculty has been assembled for the 35^th and 19^th anniversary conferences that will be important to all the specialties mentioned, including nurse practitioners, trial attorneys, in-house counsel, pediatricians, primary care physicians, insurers and claims personnel, risk managers and all providers of healthcare.

 

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this conference, healthcare professionals will be able to articulate the role of law and lawyers in medical malpractice and discuss the complexities of the legal process.

At the conclusion of this conference, legal professionals will be able to describe the best-evidence in medical malpractice as it pertains to obstetrics, gynecology, midwifery, neonatology, medicine, surgery, family medicine, emergency medicine, cardiology, radiology, and human genetics.

 

Major topics include:   ·         Home birth: The challenge ·         Maternal deaths ·         Decisions and patient safety ·         Genetic testing: Dysmorphism, intellectual disability and seizures ·         Therapeutic cooling ·         Perinatal stroke: Who is responsible? ·         Complications from pelvic mesh ·         Cardiac surgery and stroke ·         Obstetrics and the challenge of autism ·         MRI, cerebral injury and encephalopathy ·         A safety culture: sustainable? ·         Deaths and harm due to medical negligence ·         The Defense Expert ·         Pelvic floor injury ·         The second stage of labor ·         Critical thinking and clinical decision making ·         Current standards for obstetric ultrasound ·         Neurodevelopmental determinants in the preterm infant ·         Endovascular clot retrieval in pediatric stroke ·         Pitfalls, pregnancy and the emergency department ·         Cognitive biases and their mitigation ·         OB/GYN risks of ignoring anatomy ·         Professional Liability and Patient Safety ·         Real world defense strategy ·         Labor and the compression theory ·         Role of placental pathology ·         Has 3 categories of FHR monitoring helped? ·         Cord blood gases: Problems and implications ·         Maternal and fetal premorbid conditions ·         Safety in the operating room ·         Incidentalomas ·         Ischemic stroke ·         The challenge of pulmonary embolism ·         Defensive medicine ·         Malpractice risk and management in spine surgery ·         Atherectomy: Implications and complications ·         Genes and sudden death ·         Mammography, breast cancer and malpractice ·         Minimally invasive spine surgery ·         Acute coronary syndrome in women ·         Percutaneous coronary intervention

 

 

Faculty

 

Aubrey Milunsky, MD, DSc, FRCP, FACMG, DCH

Conference Chair

Founder and Co-Director

Center for Human Genetics, Cambridge, MA

Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine

Formerly Professor of Human Genetics, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pathology,

Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA

 

Professor Milunsky is internationally known for his work in prenatal genetic diagnosis, molecular genetics, and the epidemiology of birth defects. He is the author, editor, or co-editor of 26 books and author or co-author of 452 scientific communications. He is the Founding Editor and Co-Editor of Genetic Disorders and the Fetus: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment (7^th ed). The 6^th edition of this major worldwide reference text for prenatal diagnosis received the “Highly Commended” Award from the British Medical Association. He has given invited lectures in 36 countries, (including the Vatican). He has been honored, by election, as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of England, and with an award for excellence in teaching. He is an editorial board member of Prenatal Diagnosis. Boston University has named the Aubrey Milunsky Chair in Human Genetics. His latest book is I Didn’t Know, I Didn’t Know: Avoidable Deaths and Harm Due to Medical Negligence. He is listed in Top Doctors in Boston (Genetics).

 

Jeff M. Milunsky, MD, FACMG

Conference Co-Chair

Co-Director, Center for Human Genetics

Director, Clinical Genetics

Senior Director, Molecular Genetics, Cambridge, MA

Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts University School of Medicine

Formerly Professor of Pediatrics, Genetics and Genomics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA

Professor Milunsky is known internationally for his work in clinical and molecular genetics with special reference to his expertise in the diagnosis, evaluation and management of genetic connective tissue disorders. He is the co-editor of Genetic Disorders and the Fetus: Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment (7^th edition). The 6^th edition received the British Medical Association “Highly Commended” Medical Book Award. Professor Milunsky is the author or co-author of at least 300 scientific communications. He is an elected member of the Society for Pediatric Research. He has been listed repeatedly in Top Doctors in Boston (Genetics).

 

Leonard Berlin, MD, FACR

Professor of Radiology

Rush University and the University of Illinois

Department of Radiology, NorthShore University Health System

Skokie, IL

Professor Berlin is known internationally for his work in radiology and especially for his medicolegal commentaries. He is the author or co-author of over 440 scientific communications. His book, now in the third edition, and a classic, is Malpractice Issues in Radiology. Professor Berlin is a Fellow of the American College of Radiology, a past Chairman of the Department of Radiology, and the recipient of many national and international honors and awards, including the Gold Medal for Distinguished and Extraordinary Service to Radiology from the American College of Radiology and their Luminary Awards.

 

Frank A. Chervenak, MD

Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Associate Dean of International Medicine

Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Chief of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lenox Hill Hospital

New York, NY

Professor Chervenak is known internationally for his work in high risk obstetrics, ultrasound and ethics. He is the author, editor or co-editor of over 1300 scientific communications and the co-editor of 36 books, two of the most recent being Current Ethical Challenges in Reproductive Medicine and The Donald School Textbook of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology [4th edition]. Professor Chervenak has been the recipient of at least 12 honorary degrees awarded in many countries in Europe and South America. He serves on multiple editorial boards including Obstetric Ultrasound and the Journal of Medicine and Philosophy. He has served in many leadership positions including being president of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine and Chairman of the Ethics Committee of FIGO.

 

Patrick G. Croskerry, MD, PhD

Professor of Emergency Medicine and Director, Critical Thinking Program

Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Dr. Croskerry is known internationally for his work on patient safety and medical education with special reference to Critical Thinking. He is the author or co-author of at least 115 scientific communications and the author or co-author of 3 books, the most recent of which is The Cognitive Autopsy and Diagnosis: Interpreting the Shadows (in press). He has delivered hundreds of lectures in Canada and abroad. Professor Croskerry serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Diagnosis. He has been the recipient of many honors, most recently of the Sir James Cameron Medal from the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. He was listed in the top ten of the most impactful Canadian medical educators by the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians. He has served as a committee member in the Institute of Medicine, on Diagnostic Errors in Healthcare. He was also on the Canadian Olympic rowing team!

 

Mary D’Alton, M.D.

Willard C. Rappleye Professor and Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons

Director, Obstetrics and Gynecology Services

New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY

Professor D’Alton is known internationally for her work in maternal-fetal medicine with special reference to maternal serum screening, fetal imaging and high risk pregnancy. She is the co-editor of 8 books, the latest entitled Obstetric Imaging, Expert Radiology Series, and 13 monographs. She is also the author or co-author of 411 scientific communications. Professor D’Alton has been the recipient of many honors, for teaching, research and service but especially for election to The National Academy of Medicine. She serves on the editorial board of multiple prestigious journals including the Journal of Perinatal Medicine and Prenatal Diagnosis. She is an examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in maternal-fetal medicine.

 

John O. L. DeLancey, MD

Norman F. Miller Professor of Gynecology and Professor of Urology

University of Michigan School of Medicine

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Professor DeLancey is known internationally for his pioneering work on the fundamental anatomy and biomechanics of female pelvic floor disorders. He is the author or co-author of over 325 scientific communications. Professor DeLancey is the co-author or co-editor of four books, the most recent being Imaging Pelvic Floor Disorders [2nd ed]. Doctor DeLancey is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and an honorary member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecology [UK]. He has served on the editorial boards of multiple prestigious journals including Contemporary OB/GYN. Professor DeLancey is the recipient of many honors, including the Jack Robertson Lifetime Achievement Award and the Distinguished Surgeon Award from the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons.

 

Gabrielle A. deVeber, MD, MHSc, FRCPC

Professor of Pediatrics, University of Toronto,

Senior Scientist, Child Health Evaluative Sciences and Neuroscience

Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute

Toronto, ON, Canada

Professor deVeber is known internationally for her research in neuroscience with special reference to childhood neurological disorders. She is the author or co-author of over 500 scientific communications and co-author or co-editor of two books, the latest being Pediatric Thromboembolism and Stroke Protocols [3^rd ed]. Professor deVeber has lectured extensively both nationally and internationally. She has been the recipient of many honors including the Bernard Sachs Award from the Child Neurology Society for her leading role internationally as a neuroscience researcher, and the Sidney Carter Award from the American Academy of Neurology as an outstanding pediatric neurologist.

 

Eric H Elowitz, MD

Associate Professor of Neurosurgery

Vice Chairman for Quality and Patient Safety, Department of Neurological Surgery

Weill Cornell Medical College

New York Presbyterian Hospital

New York, NY

Professor Elowitz is known internationally for his work in neurological surgery. He is the co-author of 47 scientific communications. Professor Elowitz is the recipient of a teaching award. He has lectured nationally on minimally invasive techniques and quality and patient safety in spine surgery.

 

William A. Gray, MD, FACC, FSCAI

President, Lankenau Heart Institute, System Chief, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases

Main Line Health

Wynnewood, PA

Doctor Gray is known internationally for his work in interventional cardiology. He is the author or co-author of at least 188 scientific communications and co-editor of Vascular Medicine and Intervention [2nd edition]. Dr. Gray serves on the editorial boards of multiple journals including the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. He has been honored as a recipient of the WL Gore Award for Pioneers in Performance.

 

John E. Hall, Jr. Esq.

Hall Booth Smith, P.C.

Atlanta, GA

Mr. Hall is a founding partner of their defense law firm. He has extensive experience and expertise in the defense of high exposure birth trauma and catastrophic cases, having tried in excess of 100 cases to resolution. He has been named National Counsel for several major insurance carriers. Mr. Hall is a member of the Board of Directors of the USLAW Network. He also serves as Honorary Consul to the country of Georgia. He has lectured widely on a range of risk management subjects, as well as representing attorneys in legal malpractice claims. Among his many honors is being listed among the most influential persons in Georgia, the Best Lawyers in America and as a Super Lawyer.

 

Terrie E. Inder, M.B., Ch.B, MD

Mary Ellen Avery Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

Chair, Department of Pediatric Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Boston, MA

Professor Inder is known internationally for her work in neonatology. She is the author or co-author of at least 285 scientific communications. Professor Inder is a co-editor of Volpe’s Neurology of the Newborn [6th ed]. She serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders and the Journal of Pediatrics. She has delivered a host of named lectures and honored with a Doris Duke Distinguished Clinical Scientist Award.

Amal Mattu, MD

Professor of Emergency Medicine

Vice Chairman of Department of Emergency Medicine

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Director, Emergency Cardiology Fellowship Program

Baltimore, Maryland

 

Professor Mattu is known internationally for his work in emergency medicine. He is the author or co-editor of at least 160 scientific communications. Professor Mattu is also the co-author or co-editor of 23 books, the two most recent being Avoiding Common Errors in the Emergency Department [2nd ed] and Roberts and Hedges’ Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care [7th ed]. Professor Mattu has been the keynote speaker nationally and internationally dozens of times and selected to address the annual American Academy of Emergency Medicine Scientific Assembly for 16 consecutive years. He has been the recipient of at least ten outstanding teacher awards and honored for outstanding leadership in emergency medicine with the Fabien Vickrey M.D. Memorial Award and the Peter Rosen Award.

Charles J. Zauzig III, Esq

Nichols Zauzig Sandler P.C.

Woodbridge, Virginia

Mr. Zauzig is a partner of their plaintiff law firm. He has lectured widely and published a number of articles on medical malpractice. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2006, Super Lawyers since 2007 and Best Lawyers in America. In 2011 he was listed as Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the year. He has appeared before the United States Court of Appeals, 4^th circuit, and in the United States Supreme Court, among other distinguished courts. He has served on the Board of Governors of the American Association of Justice.

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Conference Tuition

35th Annual Physician/Attorney $1,035.00 USD35th Annual Nurse/Midwife/Insurance/Resident/Fellow $540.00 USD35th Annual AAFP Members $825.00 USD19th Annual Physician/Attorney $795.00 USD19th Annual Nurse/Midwife/Insurance/Resident/Fellow $450.00 USD19th Annual AAFP Members $650.00 USDAttend Both Physician/Attorney $1,465.00 USDAttend Both Nurse/Midwife/Insurance/Resident/Fellow $785.00 USDAttend Both AAFP Members $1,225.00 USD

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Beach Tower – $229

Coral Tower – $299

Royal Tower – $309

The Cove (on request) – $429

The above rates are based on single or double occupancy and are subject to applicable taxes and fees, which are currently 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) assessed on all charges (except gratuities), Resort Levies of 10.75% Paradise Island Tourism Development Association (including VAT) & Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board (including VAT), and Resort Fee of $25 plus VAT, all per room per night.  Mandatory Gratuities:  Bellman – $6 per person, one time charge, 12 years old and over; Pool/Beach Attendant/Lifeguard – $1.60 per person, per night, 12 years old and over; Housekeeping – Royal, Coral, Beach Towers – $5 per person, per night, 12 years old and over (additional gratuities for Suites, Cove, and Reef Towers).  Rates are effective for arrivals Tuesday, January 1^st in the Royal Tower Only and Wednesday, January 2^nd for all other towers to departures on Friday, January 11, 2019.  A charge of $50 per person per night, plus taxes, fees, and gratuities for more than 2 persons in any room, with a maximum of 4 persons per room.  No charge for children 11 years of age and younger staying in the same room with parents utilizing existing bedding.

 

Arrivals prior to January 1, 2019, are on a request basis only, subject to availability, and are priced at the full public rate in effect at that time. 

For information on making your travel arrangements and to book your accommodations, please visit www.travelplannerstexas.com/chg2019.

 

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ACCOLADES FROM PAST CONFERENCES

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• What Participants Are Saying:This was an exceptional conference, as usual. This is my 10th conference and they are all fantastic.Great, well-respected and very knowledgeable speakers, pertinent topics for both physicians and medical malpractice lawyers, and well organized and presented content.“I have been in law practice for 38 years. This is the best conference I have ever attended.”The “gold standard” for birth trauma conferences! This conference far exceeded my expectations, as most speakers were very engaging and well-prepared. I most certainly will be back in the future.Very good seminar! The combination of lawyers and physicians provided a very nice dynamic and it’s always enlightening to hear problems analyzed from different perspectives.“Best conference I have ever attended!” (comments from many participants)“Thanks for creating such a unique type of conference – my 5th and always interesting, informative and useful”

  “Always an outstanding program, superlative faculty, and an exotic location”

  “As always an excellent course.”

  “A wonderful conference.”

  92% of registrants rated the conference as excellent, 8% as very good for the 34^th year.

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We look forward to seeing you in January, 2019! 

For all queries, please contact Dr. Aubrey Milunsky.

Aubrey Milunsky, M.D., D.Sc.
Conference Chair
Director, Center for Human Genetics
617-492-7083
amilunsky@chginc.org