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October 8, 2008 NEWSLETTER
Doug Wojcieszak, Founder & Spokesperson
Contact phone/e-mail address: 618-559-8168; doug@sorryworks.net
THIS WEEK'S EDITION:
OCTOBER 8 NEWSLETTER
Doug Wojcieszak, Founder & Spokesperson
Contact phone/e-mail address: 618-559-8168; doug@sorryworks.net
IN THIS EDITION:
- Last chance for Chicago Disclosure Seminar/Dallas coming up
- Sorry Works! Editorial: Helpless Medical Professionals?
- On the Road Again...
- Lawyer to Docs: Sorry Works
- Sorry Works! Books for the Holidays
- Sorry Works! Disclosure Training Part of 20- Hour, CME CAT 1 Course Taught Weekly at 31 Destination Resorts
SORRY WORKS! EDITORIAL: HELPLESS MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS?
One of the primary goals of Sorry Works! is to empower medical professionals when it comes to liability exposure. We want you to own your liability problem and fix it yourself with the powerful customer service techniques we teach. After all, as our partners at Stevens & Lee med-mal defense and risk consulting firm tell us, the top two reasons patients/families file medical malpractice lawsuits are service and communication issues. Excellent customer service can prevent most med-mal lawsuits while providing powerful evidence for the defense in those cases that move forward to litigation. This is the future we are moving towards.
However, it's good every so often to look backwards to the bad ol' days when healthcare professionals weren't empowered to fix their liability problems. Unfortunately, many well-meaning doctors, nurses, and healthcare and insurance professionals are still trapped in the dark ages where they are dependent on politicians and political consultants to fix the problem for them. In fact, the politicians and consultants are not going away without a fight. They want to keep YOU in the dark ages so YOU will keep sending them money/donations and votes. These folks like to peddle fear and finger pointing.
Be afraid of the courts, the lawyers, and your patients and their families, they shout. The lawyers - those damm lawyers - are the crux of the problem and we just need some more laws to rein them in, they proclaim. Of course, we'll need plenty of donations to pass those laws, and even more donations to hopefully hold them constitutional, they beg. But we never promise these laws will actually lower your insurance rates, they admit. However, if tort reform is overturned, the medical community will be back in "crisis mode," they cry.
Haven't we heard enough??
Just look at the article below. The article focuses on Illinois, but you can replace Illinois with the name of your state and it's all the same boiler plate language meant to instill fear and take away your power.
Medical professionals need to ask themselves a couple questions: "Did I go to medical or nursing school so some political hack can fix my liability problems, or am I smart enough to move forward and fix my liability problems with this thing we call Sorry Works? Am I ready to address the two primary causes of litigation - service and communication issues - with excellent customer service principles or do I want to continue listening to the tired drum beat of fear pounded out by money-hungry consultants?"
Doctors In Chicago: The More The Better
Published on June 16, 2008
Ed Murnane, Illinois Civil Justice League
Chicago is crawling with doctors this week - and the past weekend – and that's a good thing.
It's good because Chicago – and many other communities in Illinois – continue to face a doctor shortage and any time we can attract licensed, competent physicians to Illinois, the people of Illinois are the beneficiaries, even if the docs are here for a meeting, and not to spread out through the countryside with stethoscopes attached.
Doctors from around the country are in Chicago this week for the annual meeting of the Chicago based-American Medical Association.
But while their practices might be in Ohio or California or Utah or elsewhere, the doctors who are attending the annual meeting of the American Medical Association do understand why their Illinois colleagues might seem distracted.
It's because Illinois has one of the most hostile legal and political environments in the nation and doctors (and hospitals) are in the cross-hairs.
The recently enacted (2005) and much-needed law to establish reasonable limits on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases is awaiting a ruling by the Illinois Supreme Court and doctors are nervous because of the history of Illinois courts on medical liability.
Physicians would prefer not to have to deal with the constant threat of litigation. Young men and women enter medical schools to learn how to heal and cure patients, not how to sue them. The AMA's agenda for educational meetings during the current meeting shows what doctors are interested in: improving patient care, learning new procedures and technology, plus a wide range of other topics intended to help doctors help patients.
That's in sharp contrast with the agenda of another national organization that held it's annual meeting in Chicago last year: the American Association for Justice (formerly Association of Trial Lawyers of America).
The trial lawyers are meeting in Philadelphia this year and their agenda is likely to include many of the same topics that were discussed in Chicago last year when more than 70 forums on new ways to sue people and institutions were on the agenda.
Here is an excerpt from our commentary last year when AAJ was meeting in Chicago:
In its blog last week, the National Association of Manufacturers listed a handful of AAJ "litigation groups" that are topics of discussion and study and training at this week's meeting.
NAM listed ten — listed alphabetically and copied from the trial lawyers directory:
Hormone Therapy
Human Bone & Tissue Recovered from Cadavers
Inadequate Security
Interstate Trucking
Kugel Mesh
Laparoscopy
Laser Eye Surgery Malpractice
Lawn Mowers
Lead Paint
Liquor Liability
Mandatory Arbitration
These are just ten of 77 categories or, as NAM called them, "targets." NAM selected them as an example.
And while the 77 litigation groups will be meeting this week, a higher level of importance is bestowed on AAJ's 18 "Practice Sections." According to AAJ, practice sections "provide a means for members to unite with others practicing in similar areas of the law. Each Section encompasses an area of litigation practice that is broader than those addressed by litigation groups."
Here are the AAJ Section Home Pages. The links are from the AAJ website; we're not sure all are active and valid.
Admiralty Law
Aviation Law
Business Torts
Civil Rights
Criminal Law
Employment Rights
Family Law
Fed.Tort Liability and Military Advocacy
Insurance Law
International Practice
Motor Vehicle Collision, Highway and Premises Liability
Products Liability
Professional Negligence
Railroad Law
Section on Toxic, Environmental, and Pharmaceutical Torts (STEP)
Social Security Disability Law
Sole Practitioner and Small Firm
WorkersÂ’ Compensation and Workplace Injury
The AAJ agenda will be similar next month in Philadelphia — probably to include many new topics and potential new ways of initiating litigation.
We're happy to welcome the doctors from AMA to Chicago (and happy that AMA is headquartered in Chicago) and we're equally happy that AAJ has taken its show elsewhere.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN...
Sorry Works! Founder Doug Wojcieszak is continuing to travel the countryside spreading the message of disclosure and apology. Last week it was the Six Rivers CLMA chapter in Southwestern Ohio - great audience that bought a copy of the Sorry Works! Book for each attendee.
This week it's off to the Kansas Risk Managers and the disclosure seminar at Northwestern University in Chicago (see below). Then the following week another presentation in Chicago at the ECRI Institute Risk Seminar and the Dallas, TX Sorry Works! Seminar (see below).
To book a Sorry Works! presentation, contact doug@sorryworks.net or call 618-559-8168.
LAWYER TO DOCS: SORRY WORKS
What a great headline! We could never have imagined such a headline - Lawyer to Docs: Sorry Works! - even just five years ago. But we're making great progress. Great article to go along with this headline below featuring Sorry Works! Co-Author Jim Saxton, Esquire. Share with friends and colleagues. Thanks!
Lawyer to docs: 'Sorry works'
Local health litigation specialist says apologies could reduce malpractice suits.
Lancaster New Era
Published: Sep 22, 2008
By JACK BRUBAKER, Staff
Dr. A makes mistake during medical procedure, leaving patient with partial paralysis of right arm. Dr. A. does not admit mistake and refuses to discuss it with patient.
Dr. B. makes similar mistake with similar result to patient's arm. Dr. B. admits error, says he's sorry and perhaps even offers to compensate patient for related costs.
Which physician is more likely to be sued for malpractice?
A local lawyer who represents many doctors in malpractice cases has written a book about why all doctors should be Dr. B.
Jim Saxton, chairman of the health litigation group of the Stevens & Lee law firm and president of the Lancaster YMCA Foundation Board, will talk about the advantages of being Dr. B at the YMCA's 7th annual Pathfinders Luncheon this week.
The title of his talk is the title of his new book, "Sorry Works!"
The primary point of the book is that if more doctors empathized with their patients' adverse medical outcomes, malpractice suits could be reduced dramatically.
"It's important 100 percent of the time to show empathy, to say you're sorry," the attorney says. "It makes a bad situation a little bit better."
Saying you're sorry is not an admission of guilt, Saxton says. It is a way to substitute a human process for the legal process.
Saxton intends to tell his "Y" audience that saying you are sorry for bad outcomes works in all facets of life.
"Instead of getting mad, or quitting your job, or running away from home or a relationship," he says, "we need to be more empathetic to other people's feelings."
Saxton has been working on this concept for a decade. He knows that trying to calm the malpractice waters may reduce his business, but he believes it's "the right thing to do."
The attorney travels around the country explaining his idea to doctors. At one of these meetings he met Doug Wojcieszak, a public relations consultant from St. Louis who created the Sorry Works Coalition.
The coalition promotes the idea Saxton supports.
With the help of Maggie Finkelstein, one of Saxton's Stevens & Lee colleagues, Saxton and Wojcieszak collaborated on "Sorry Works!"
They published the $19.95 paperback through AuthorHouse. The self- published book is available through the publisher's Web site and at Stevens & Lee's local office at 51 S. Duke St.
Saxton also will sign books at the YMCA luncheon for Pathfinders, a group of longtime "Y" members and supporters.
The public luncheon will be held Thursday, from noon to 1:30 p.m., at the F&M Alumni Sports & Fitness Center's Woods Room. Details are available from Beth Grossman at the YMCA, 397-7474.
Saxton says experience proves that doctors who are proactive and work with patients who have suffered negative results avoid lawsuits.
Physicians in the Central Pennsylvania Risk Retention Group report fewer malpractice lawsuits, he says, because they take the "Sorry Works" concept seriously.
Physicians throughout the country have reported similar results.
The key to everything, Saxton and his book conclude, is "good customer service."
In the medical arena, the book says, "when doctors, hospitals and insurance companies focus on their patients and families with excellent customer service and forget about trial lawyers, the courts and politicians, it can bring an end to the medical malpractice crisis."
That same message is important for society in general to hear, Saxton says.
"Do we as a society want to continue to fight with each other? he asks. "Shouldn't we have a way to sort things out ourselves?"
Staff writer Jack Brubaker can be reached at jbrubaker@LNPnews.com or 291-8781.
SORRY WORKS! BOOKS FOR THE HOLIDAYS - ORDER NOW!
Hard to believe it, but the Holidays are right around the corner. With a tight economy you'll need to find reasonably priced gifts for the healthcare, insurance, and legal professionals on your list. Enter the Sorry Works! Book. For the $23.50 per copy, you can provide the "how-to" manual on disclosure and apology. The book also includes a stylish bookmark with disclosure tips. Furthermore, bulk discounts are available for large orders.
You won't find a more meaningful gift or more appreciated gift for the price. To order individual copies visit this link: http://www.sorryworks.net/booksoon.phtml. To make a bulk purchase, e-mail doug@sorryworks.net or call 618-559-8168.
Happy Holidays!
LAST CHANCE FOR CHICAGO DISCLOSURE SEMINAR/DALLAS COMING UP SOON
The much-awaited disclosure seminar in Chicago at Northwestern University Medical Center featuring Rick Boothman of University of Michigan, Dr. Tim McDonald of University of Illinois Medical Center, and Doug Wojcieszak of Sorry Works! is this Friday. This valuable event is free and open to the public, but you must register ahead of time. Registration information is below.
Also, the Dallas disclosure seminar is almost here too - Saturday, October 25th. This event is open to all medical professionals and there is a nominal $30 registration fee which includes a copy of the Sorry Works! Book and breakfast. Registration information is below.
If you would like to host your own disclosure seminar, please contact doug@sorryworks.net or call 618-559-8168.
Northwestern Release on Disclosure Conference
Chicago, IL – The Northwestern University Center for Patient Safety has announced a Disclosure Symposium on Friday, October 10th, 2008. The symposium is free to the public and will feature several prominent disclosure speakers, including: Sorry Works! Founder Doug Wojcieszak, University of Michigan's Rick Boothman, and Tim McDonald from the University of Illinois.
Date: Friday, October 10th, 2008
Time: 8:00am-12:00pm
Location: 250 E. Superior Street, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60611. Prentice Women's Hospital. Lavin Bernick Flat Auditorium (Conference Room L)
Event Contact: Allan Doeksen, Project Coordinator 312-503-5525 Northwestern Center for Patient Safety a-doeksen@northwestern.edu
There are no registration fees for this exciting conference. However, RSVP's are required. Please contact PatientSafety@northwestern.edu if you are able to attend. For more information please visit http://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/ihs/program- centers/cps/events.html
Pinnacle Partners In Medicine Invites Doctors and CRNAs to Join Us for "Sorry Works!" Seminar
Disclosure of Unanticipated Outcomes and Medical Errors
Saturday, October 25, Omni Hotel Dallas, 7am-Noon
Learn more about this intriguing new customer service approach to patient care. The coalition believes and advocates that the medical malpractice crisis is a customer service crisis - not a legal problem - that can be solved anytime by medical, insurance, and legal professionals.
Price: $30 if you register prior to the event. Registration at the event begins at 7 AM. Full breakfast buffet will be provided.
CME credit will be available.
Register online: www.pinnaclepartnersmed.com/sorryworks
You may also call: 972-715-5003 or email: kmorse@pinnaclepartnersmed.com
SORRY WORKS! DISCLOSURE TRAINING PART OF 20-HOUR, CME CAT. 1 COURSE TAUGHT WEEKLY AT 31 DESTINATION RESORTS
Here's an unusual opportunity: Train on the Sorry Works! disclosure method, receive up to 20 hours of CME Category 1 Credit and do it all at your choice of 31 premier vacation destinations virtually any week you choose!
Sorry Works! Founder, Doug Wojcieszak, and Sorry Works! book co- author, James Saxton, Esq., are featured faculty in The 2008-9 Medical-Legal Update, a 20 hour exploration of pressing issues in Medical Malpractice, Risk Management, Practice Management, Healthcare Law and selected Clinical Topics produced and presented by national, ACCME-accredited CME sponsor, American Educational Institute. This 20 hour, Category 1 approved, studio produced course will be presented weekly in 31 sun and ski resort-based classrooms from October 6, 2008 through October 2, 2009 and Messrs. Wojcieszak and Saxton are the featured speakers for four hours of lecture.
Better still, AEI is offering Sorry Works! subscribers an exclusive $50 registration discount*. To take advantage of it simply register with AEI by phone from 8:00 a.m. until 6 p.m. EST at 800-354-3507 and mention Sorry Works!
*discount is applicable to standard registration only and may not be used in conjunction with any other discount.
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