Can Medical Students Be Liable For Malpractice?

Posted: Apr 20, 2011 |Comments: 0 |

When it comes to medical malpractice, most people think that the only people who can be sued are doctors or physicians.  However, just about any medical professional can be sued for malpractice including nurses, x-ray technicians, pharmacists, and yes - even medical students.  If any medical professional comes in contact with a patient which leads to harm or death of that patient, then he/she can be included in a lawsuit. 

There are those working  in the medical field who believe that students or residents should not be held liable for medical malpractice because they are technically working under the supervision of a licensed health care professional.  If something does happen to a patient, it's the supervisor's responsibility.  After all, the supervisor should be watching over every action the student makes. 

Other people believe that medical students should have no part in patient care.  If that's the case,  how would these students learn if they don't interact with patients?  The majority of people learn through experience and practice.  If a student doctor does not have any contact with patients prior to starting his/her career, then how could they possibly know what to do or how to act when it's finally time to help someone?

What's most important is that students just focus on providing the best care possible instead of worrying about making a mistake when they are interacting with patients.  It's been said that doctors who are open and honest with their patients are less likely to be sued.

Although students can be covered under the medical school's insurance policy, it is probably in a student's best interest to purchase individual medical malpractice insurance just in case a lawsuit is brought against him/her.  In a lawsuit, the plaintiff can go after a student's personal assets, which can cause substantial damage to the student's finances and ruin their career before it has even really started.

The laws regarding medical malpractice and malpractice insurance rates are different for each state.  Check with a broker who specializes in medical malpractice insurance.  If you are a student planning to attend medical school, it's important to research the specifics and ask questions when applying to the school.

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