Why, How and When I Run My Medico-Legal Practice  (2)

Description

Charlotte Lewis, an orthopedic trauma surgeon based in Portsmouth, discusses her journey into medicolegal reporting. She begins by sharing her professional background in general trauma, detailing her lack of elective practice and the complexities she navigates in trauma cases. Highlighting her personal motivations, Charlotte explains the financial responsibilities that come with raising three daughters, including expenses related to travel and private schooling, which her NHS salary alone cannot sustain.



She reflects on the contrasting views of medicolegal reporting, noting some colleagues find intellectual stimulation in the work, while others view it with cynicism. Charlotte perceives it as a flexible option that fits her lifestyle well, providing insights beneficial to her clinical practice. Although she admits a lack of enthusiasm for the work compared to operating, she values the knowledge gained through involvement in medicolegal cases, especially surrounding best practices in trauma care.



Throughout the talk, Charlotte offers a candid account of her experiences, discussing the initial advice and low-stress entry into medicolegal work she received from a colleague. She emphasizes the importance of documentation skills and details her method of conducting consultations, typically at her NHS hospital, often employing technology like Dragon dictate for efficiency. As she navigates the world of medicolegal work, she acknowledges being intimidated by legal proceedings, yet remains committed to providing thorough and knowledgeable support. Finally, she illustrates the evolving nature of her work, establishing connections with solicitors that have allowed her to diversify her practice over the years.

Specialties