Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common issue among office workers, often leading to discomfort, reduced productivity and in some cases, workplace injury claims. A recent study, shared in Comcare’s Workplace Research Monthly, explored whether a targeted exercise program could prevent or alleviate CTS symptoms. In this edition of our Request for Comment series, Red Health’s expert specialists provide their insights—examining whether these findings translate into real-world clinical practice and medico-legal considerations.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This nerve passes through the carpal tunnel – a narrow passageway surrounded by bones and ligaments. When pressure is placed on the median nerve, it can result in numbness, tingling, weakness or pain in the hand and fingers, particularly the thumb, index and middle fingers. 

Common causes of CTS include repetitive hand movements, prolonged wrist flexion or extension, poor ergonomics and underlying health conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Office workers, especially those who spend long hours typing or using a computer mouse, are particularly at risk of developing CTS. Left untreated, the condition can worsen over time, potentially leading to decreased hand function and chronic discomfort. 

What Did the Study Find?

The study assessed the effectiveness of an 8-week exercise protocol for office workers experiencing hand and wrist pain associated with CTS. Participants were divided into two groups: one performing seven specific hand and wrist exercises at least three times a week and the other serving as a control group.

Key findings included:

• Improved grip and pinch strength in those who completed the exercise program
• No significant reduction in pain levels, suggesting that pain management requires additional interventions
• General improvement in hand function, but not a cure for CTS itself

While the study highlighted some functional benefits, it raised an important question: do these findings actually impact clinical practice and medico-legal assessments?

What Do Red Health Experts Say?

To gain a deeper understanding, we asked three leading Red Health specialists on our Referral Network to weigh in.

• Dr Damon Thomas (Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon)
• Dr Vaidya Bala (Consultant Rehabilitation Physician)
• Dr Praveen Vijaysegaran (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon)

Dr Damon Thomas – Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon

Dr Thomas found the study’s conclusions unsurprising and largely irrelevant to clinical practice. He pointed out that the results confirm a basic principle: strength training increases muscle strength—but this does not necessarily translate to reduced CTS symptoms.

His stance is clear: this study would not change his approach to treating CTS patients, nor does it influence his medico-legal opinions. In his view, the findings offer no meaningful evidence for recommending exercise as a standalone treatment for CTS.

Full Response from Dr Damon Thomas – Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon

RH: Is the information presented in the study surprising based on your clinical experience?

Dr Damon Thomas: The findings of the study provide very little relevance to clinical practise. The main findings are that strength exercises increase the strength of the forearm and hand. This is pretty logical for any part of the body and has no specificity for the hand only. There is no definite change in carpal tunnel symptoms, just an increase in strength. These findings are not surprising, essentially strength exercises increase strength. There is no suggestion of any symptomatic improvement in carpal tunnel which is not surprising.

RH: Does the study change the way you approach clinical duties? What about medico-legal opinion?

Dr Damon Thomas: No, the study has no relevance to clinical practise. I would not recommend it as a therapeutic modality and would not recommend it for any medico legal related cases.

Dr Vaidya Bala – Rehabilitation Physician

Dr Bala raised concerns about the study’s methodology and title, arguing that it should focus on progression rather than prevention, given that participants already had CTS symptoms. While he supports exercise for office workers, he emphasises that the prescription of forearm exercise does not prevent all upper limb musculoskeletal conditions—it only improves certain functional abilities, including the hand.

From a medico-legal perspective, he believes that while workplace exercise programs have general value, they are not a primary preventive measure for CTS-related claims.

Full Response from Dr Vaidya Bala – Consultant Rehabilitation Physician

Dr Vaidya Bala: Article Key Points

1. Objective:
   • The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a preventive exercise protocol for hand and wrist pain among office workers with symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
2. Methodology:
   • Participants: 62 office workers with hand and wrist pain.
   • Groups: 49 participants performed the exercise protocol (exercise group), and 13 did not (non-exercise group).
   • Duration: The exercise program lasted 8 weeks, with participants advised to perform exercises at least 3 times a week.
   • Exercises: The program included 7 specific exercises targeting the hand and wrist.
   • Assessment: Physical parameters (hand grip and pinch grip strength) and questionnaires (Visual Analog Scale for pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scale, and Functional Status Scale) were used to evaluate effectiveness before and after the intervention.
3. Results:
   • Hand Grip Strength: Significant improvement in the right hand grip strength in the exercise group.
   • Pinch Grip Strength: Significant improvement in both hands in the exercise group.
   • Functional Performance: Significant improvement in both groups, but more pronounced in the exercise group.
   • Pain Levels: No significant change in pain intensity, suggesting a complex etiology of pain perception.
4. Conclusions:
   • Regular preventive exercises can increase forearm muscle strength and improve functional hand performance in office workers with CTS symptoms.
   • The exercises did not significantly affect pain levels, indicating that pain management may require additional or alternative interventions.

Dr Vaidya Bala: Summary Expert Opinion

Dr Vaidya Bala:

1. The study participant were diagnosed to have CTS based only on clinical examination and nerve conduction study (NCS) was not used. The gold standard tool for diagnosis is NCS.
2. The title of the article states”Prevention exercise for CTS” but the subjects included in the study were already diagnosed with CTS. So it should be titled ‘Progression of CTS from early stages of CTS”
3. In principle, I am in support for exercise prescription for all admin staff

RH: Is the information presented in the study surprising based on your clinical experience?

Dr Vaidya Bala: Not surprising but the methodology and title should be changed as it does not clearly describe the intent as to what they are preventing with exercise.

RH: Does the study change the way you approach clinical duties? What about medico-legal opinion?

Dr Vaidya Bala: I am in support of exercise prescription for all admin staff for forearm exercise in general but it does not prevent all musculoskeletal degenerative disease of the upper limb but merely functions of the hand. In general, all admin staff should be given upper limb exercise.

Dr Praveen Vijaysegaran – Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr Vijaysegaran echoed similar sentiments, stating that while exercise improves strength, it does not reduce CTS-related pain. He even noted that, in his experience, overuse and repetitive strain could worsen CTS symptoms.

His conclusion? The study does not influence his clinical or medico-legal approach. He continues to advocate for evidence-based strategies rather than generic exercise programs when assessing workplace injuries.

Full Response from Dr Praveen Vijaysegaran – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dr Praveen Vijaysegaran: Summary Expert Opinion

Dr Praveen Vijaysegaran: This is an interesting study, but the conclusion really isn’t something that’s going to change clinical practice all too much. The main conclusion of the study to me is:

In office workers with symptoms of early carpal tunnel syndrome who perform a preventive exercise program regularly, an increase in forearm muscle strength is observed with no change to the level of pain.

The study’s findings clearly demonstrate as their primary outcome measure a change to forearm strength rather than a change to the symptoms of carpal tunnel. The conclusion thus has nothing to do with carpal tunnel as such, rather much more to do with forearm strength alone. I’m sure if this study had been done in a general patient population and not a cohort of patient with carpal tunnel only, the findings would have been similar.

RH: Is the information presented in the study surprising based on your clinical experience?

Dr Praveen Vijaysegaran: Not at all! Based on my clinical (and personal!) experience, exercise helps muscle to grow and become stronger, and this is all that this study shows. Pain in carpal tunnel syndrome is not improved by exercise in my experience, and this study confirms this with no change in pain levels, and this was the only outcome measure that was studied as a surrogate marker for symptoms of carpal tunnel in this study. Anecdotally, I find that overuse and overexertion in fact worsens carpal tunnel syndrome.

RH: Does the study change the way you approach clinical duties? What about medico-legal opinion?

Dr Praveen Vijaysegaran: This study will not change my clinical practice or medicolegal opinion at all, apart from generally continuing to encourage patients/clients who wish to build strength and be healthy to stay active and exercise regularly.

Comparing Expert Insights

The responses from Dr Thomas and Dr Bala illustrate the diversity of medical opinion surrounding CTS management. Dr Thomas is firm about the clinical relevance of exercise for CTS symptom relief, while Dr Bala acknowledges its value for functional improvement but cautions against overstating its preventive potential. Dr Vijaysegaran reinforces that strength gains do not equate to pain relief, highlighting a need for targeted interventions.

This range of perspectives underscores the importance of individualised patient care and highlights the complexities involved in medico-legal evaluations. It also demonstrates how Red Health’s multidisciplinary approach ensures balanced and comprehensive assessments.

The Medico-Legal Perspective: Why This Matters

For legal and insurance professionals handling workplace injury claims, it’s critical to distinguish between:

• Functional improvements (e.g., increased strength)
• Genuine symptomatic relief (e.g., reduced pain, improved nerve function)

While workplace exercise programs can be beneficial, they should not replace comprehensive injury management strategies, proper ergonomic interventions, or, in relevant matters, independent medico-legal assessments. Red Health’s experts provide evidence-based opinions to ensure accurate evaluations of workplace injury claims.

Final Thoughts: What Should Workplaces Do?

While this study contributes to the broader conversation about workplace health, it does not provide strong enough evidence to redefine CTS management. The varied responses from Red Health’s experts reveal the complexity of treating CTS and highlight the importance of evidence based, individualised care.

Key Takeaways: 

• Preventative exercises may improve functional abilities but are not a standalone solution for CTS. 
• Pain relief and overall symptom management require a multifaceted approach, including ergonomic adjustments and medical interventions. 
• In medico-legal contexts, functional improvement should not be misconstructed as a symptomatic relief or injury resolution. 

What Should Workplaces Do? 

Employers should focus on a well-rounded approach, including:

• Ergonomic adjustments to prevent strain
• Workplace wellness initiatives that go beyond exercise
• Access to independent medical assessments to ensure fair injury claims

At Red Health, we work with specialists across multiple disciplines to provide trusted, independent medico-legal opinions. If you’re handling a workplace injury case, our experts can help assess the true impact and validity of claims.

Dr Damon Thomas’s CV Extract

This is a short extract, correct as of 18/10/2024. For Dr Thomas’s full CV, please contact us.

Dr Vaidya Bala’s CV Extract

This is a short extract, correct as of 18/10/2024. For Dr Bala’s full CV, please contact us.

Dr Praveen Vijaysegaran’s CV Extract

This is a short extract, correct as of 18/10/2024. For Dr Vijaysegaran’s full CV, please contact us.

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In November 2024, the Australian government made a groundbreaking move by passing a world-first law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms. This bold and controversial decision has sparked widespread debate.

Among the experts weighing in is Dr Alice Chang, a Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, who offers a compelling perspective on social media’s neurobiological and psychological impacts on young people.

The Developing Adolescent Brain

Dr Chang emphasises that the brains of young individuals, especially those under 18, are still maturing.

“Your brain doesn’t actually fully develop until you’re in your mid to late 20s.”

Dr Alice Chang

This developmental stage makes adolescents particularly vulnerable to the influence of social media, which can have profound consequences on their mental and emotional well-being.

“The brain is not fully developed at this age, and young people are especially sensitive to social feedback,” Dr Chang continues. Social media platforms, which thrive on likes, comments, and online engagement, exploit this sensitivity, potentially harming self-perception.

The Dangers of Social Media on an Immature Brain

“I feel that social media in itself is a very dangerous kind of tool.”

Dr Alice Chang

She explains, “Your brain is not going to have the ability to judge, think, and process all of these things. It’s going to take everything as the truth because that’s what happens with other human beings. You’re incredibly impulsive, and you haven’t fully developed the cognitive capacity or executive function to say, ‘Should I really analyse this? Should I take it at face value, or should I talk to someone to help me sort this out?’”

Dr Chang also highlights that “Young people can’t distinguish between healthy and harmful feedback. They take everything as the truth,”  

This risk is exacerbated for those who already struggle with pre-existing mental health challenges. “If they already have pre-existing learning disorders, depression, or anxiety, or if they are stressed at school and don’t feel good about themselves, social media can be very easily weaponised,” she notes.

The online space often amplifies negative comments, and since users are not always held accountable for their words, it creates an uncensored environment of thoughtless cruelty. “Many social media platforms, such as TikTok, are designed like TV shows with engaging lights, colours, and quick sound bites. This sensory overload is naturally appealing to the brain and directly influences thoughts and emotions as if these interactions were with real people rather than digital content,” she explains.

Social Media Addiction: A Growing Epidemic

Dr Chang compares social media addiction to other forms of addiction, like gaming or even substance abuse. “Social media addiction is pervasive because it’s so accessible, and for young people, it becomes a central part of their social lives,” she says.

This addiction isn’t just about time spent online but also its consequences. “We see both addiction and harmful impacts. Social media addiction disrupts sleep, affects school performance, and can cause family conflicts. On the extreme end, relentless online bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, self-harm, and even eating disorders,” Dr Chang warns.

The problem is particularly troubling in smaller communities, where rumours and bullying can spread rapidly. “In small towns, there’s no escape. Changing schools doesn’t offer a fresh start—the digital footprint follows you,” she points out. Social media doesn’t just stay within school walls. “Kids can develop real mental health issues from being relentlessly bullied online. It’s not just confined to school anymore—it follows you everywhere.”

The Paradox of Banning Social Media

Dr Chang acknowledges the potential risks of enforcing such a ban. She warns that restricting access to social media could have a “taboo effect,” making it more alluring to young people.

“The more you try to stop it, the more it becomes seductive.”

Dr Alice Chang

She draws parallels between social media addiction and other addictions, like gaming, drugs, and alcohol. “It’s just a very easy entry into this world of addiction,” she says. However, she believes that public policy plays a crucial role in setting boundaries, making it easier for parents, schools, and educators to reinforce healthy limits. “It’s about creating a framework where technology doesn’t replace the real-world skills children need to develop.”

The Lasting Impact of Social Media

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of social media is its permanence. Once something is posted—whether a picture, comment, or post—it can never truly disappear, even if deleted. Dr Chang raises a crucial point: these digital traces could resurface later in life, potentially damaging a person’s reputation or career. “What happens when these negative posts come up during a background check for a job?” she asks. The idea that past mistakes made in adolescence could haunt someone forever is one of the most troubling consequences of our digitally connected world.

Setting Boundaries for Healthy Development

Dr Chang believes that society needs to set boundaries around social media usage, much like how parents establish rules for their children.

“You can’t force social media onto everyone just because it’s available. There has to be a line.”

Dr Alice Chang

She stresses the importance of face-to-face communication. “Humans have evolved to communicate in person, and this is a skill young people need to develop. They need to learn how to make eye contact, read social cues, and handle both positive and negative interactions. If we push too much digital communication, we risk stunting their social development.”

Dr Chang also highlights the rise of social anxiety, citing trends in countries like Japan, where increasing isolation has led to a generation of young people avoiding in-person interactions altogether. “We don’t want our young people to grow up like that. It’s unhealthy,” she warns.

“We need to help them face their fears and develop the social skills they need to thrive in the real world.”

Dr Alice Chang

Cleaning Up the Digital Landscape

Dr Chang hopes that a social media ban could help “clean things up a bit,” reducing the proliferation of harmful online platforms. She explains that these platforms thrive primarily because of their profit-driven models. “If there is no advertising and no revenue, there’s less incentive for platforms to proliferate in harmful ways. We’re going to clamp down on exploitative practices. It’s not going to eliminate the problem entirely, but it does contribute to social responsibility.”

She warns, however, that social media will continue evolving.

“It’s only going to be something that is a bit like a virus—changing its shape and becoming more interesting so that people will grab onto it.”

Dr Alice Chang

Dr Alice Chang’s CV Extract

This is a short extract, correct as of 6/10/2024. For Dr Alice Chang’s full CV, please contact us.

Article updated 24 Feb 2025

The post Dr Alice Chang’s Perspective: Australia’s Social Media Ban for Children Under 16 appeared first on Red Health.

Genetics and Depression: A Complex Relationship

Depression is far from a uniform experience. As Dr Simone Shaw points out, “Depression manifests differently in each person, with a complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors.” For some, it’s the cognitive challenges—like trouble concentrating—that dominate. For others, it may be the emotional toll, such as persistent sadness or irritability.

The research recently highlighted by The Conversation touches on genetic predispositions, but for our experts, this isn’t groundbreaking. While the presence of genetic markers for depression may be novel for some, Dr Shaw stresses that mental health professionals have long recognised the role of genetics, alongside environmental factors.

Epigenetics: A Bridge Between Genes and Environment

Dr Shaw explains that epigenetics—how environmental factors influence gene expression—sits at the heart of the biopsychosocial model. “Epigenetic modifications can affect how genes related to mental health are expressed,” she says. This explains why two people with similar genetic risk factors may experience very different mental health outcomes, depending on their life experiences.

From childhood adversity to ongoing stress, the environment shapes the brain’s response to challenges. And, importantly, these changes are modifiable, giving us hope for interventions that could alter a person’s mental health trajectory.

Clinical Implications: Does This Change Treatment?

Despite these genetic insights, Dr Grant Blake emphasises that this research does not alter how mental health professionals diagnose or treat depression. “It is not standard practice to genetically test patients,” says Dr Blake. “While these findings support existing models of depression, they don’t shift the clinical process.”

Instead, he continues to use a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s thoughts, behaviours, and emotional reactions. “The findings reinforce that depression is about more than genetics. It’s how someone thinks, feels, and interacts with the world around them,” says Dr Blake.

Looking Ahead: Where Does This Research Take Us?

While genetic markers for depression offer a new layer of understanding, it’s clear that clinicians continue to rely on a broader picture. Dr Shaw and Dr Blake agree that the future of mental health treatment will likely involve more personalised care. This includes considering genetic, psychological, and social factors to provide the most effective interventions.

As research continues, one thing remains clear: depression is a multifaceted condition that requires a nuanced approach. Genetic markers may help explain predispositions, but the environment, personal experiences, and the support we receive are equally crucial in shaping mental health outcomes.

Check out the full article on The Conversation.

What Does Red Health Think?

We spoke to Vanessa Herrmann, Red Health CEO, and Mark Hayes, Red Health QA Manager, for their thoughts on the research and how it might change how they work in the medico-legal industry.

Mark Hayes on Genetic Markers for Mental Health

Q: Does this information change your department’s usual advice?

MH: “No, not really. In most law/compensation arenas, there’s a requirement to “take the person as they were” when determining causation.  Predisposition (either genetic or socioeconomic) is largely removed from the equation, because a predisposition doesn’t fatalistically determine an outcome.  For example, I have a predisposition to diabetes based on genetic risk, but I’m not diabetic.  There are other people that have a genetic predisposition to depression, but don’t ever experience it – this might be due to overriding socioeconomic protection, or any number of other reasons.

Further, ongoing treatment of psychological conditions is generally adaptive, in that the first treatment performed rarely provides for total cessation of symptoms. Treatments are normally titrated/increased/changed based on the results of the individual. Because the Medical Expert providing an IME doesn’t have the ongoing treatment relationship with the Examinee, the Medical Expert can only provide more common and generalised treatment recommendations, with the understanding that at all times, the treating practitioner should be responsible for adapting treatment regimes if/as required.”

Q: Is this common knowledge in the legal industry?

MH: “Not really, but there isn’t a strong need for it to be.”

Q: What outcomes could arise from this information?

MH: “In the short term, I don’t foresee any real change here.  As this field of study progresses and more information is readily available, and in combination with increased genetic marker testing, there may be precedent set where a predisposition has an impact on the eligibility for compensation of an individual, but I think this will be some time away, and opens a big can of worms in terms of employability of an individual in general. To me it creates a slippery slope where genetic testing could eventually be used for exclusion – i.e you have a predisposition to XX, therefore you can’t be employed as YY.”

Mark’s final thoughts

“A fascinating read, but there’s not enough concrete evidence yet to drive meaningful change.”

Vanessa Herrmann on Genetic Markers for Mental Health

Q: Does this information change your department’s usual advice?

VH: “No, the insights from the article reinforce the biopsychosocial approach, which is adopted by our medical experts, who are both clinically active and aligned with up-to-date guidelines. As appropriate to their speciality, they consider a comprehensive range of factors when forming their independent medical opinions – which may include genetic predispositions.”

Q: Is this common knowledge in the legal industry?

VH: “In my opinion and experience, the biopsychosocial model is well understood in the legal industry. However, the role of genetics, particularly given the recent changes to life insurance and TPD policies, is less familiar. The recent ban on insurers using genetic tests for risk assessments highlights a growing awareness of genetic factors (Life insurers banned from using genetic tests to deny cover or hike premiums – ABC News). As always, the medico-legal industry will adapt, especially once key players like insurers and government bodies begin integrating such advancements into their practices.”

Q: What outcomes could arise from this information?

VH: “While genetic testing isn’t currently a regular feature in our assessments, the insurance ban example illustrates how genetics may gradually become more relevant. We may see clients increasingly ask for our medical experts to comment on the role of pre-existing genetic factors. However, widespread integration of genetic testing into medico-legal contexts will take time and not one that I predict anytime soon.”

Vanessa’s Final Thoughts

The legislative changes around genetic testing and insurance offer a glimpse of how external shifts can impact our industry. Although genetics is not central to our current evaluations, this may evolve as more clients recognise its relevance in TPD and personal injury claims. Red Health remains committed to staying ahead of these discussions, ensuring our medical experts provide independent, up-to-date assessments grounded in medical and legal standards.

In my opinion, individuals should not be discouraged from genetic testing, as it serves as a crucial tool for early risk identification. Unfortunately, we see a similar issue in mental health, where seeking professional support is often met with stigma, implying something is wrong, rather than viewing it as part of a proactive wellness routine. If people could visit a mental health professional regularly without fear of judgment or repercussions, the benefits would be immense. From reducing chronic illness, suicide rates, and reliance on prescription medications to easing pressure on the healthcare system, lowering crime, and improving overall well-being, the positive impact is far-reaching.

Similarly, genetic testing can empower individuals to take preventive action, such as those carrying the BRCA gene, who are more likely to undergo screening and catch potential issues early. This benefits not only the individual through better health outcomes but also insurers by reducing the long-term costs of treating advanced illnesses. The potential upside of genetic testing is clear, both for healthcare and the insurance industry.

Dr Grant Blake’s CV Extract

This is a short extract, correct as of 6/10/2024. For Dr Grant Blake’s full CV, please contact us.

Dr Simone Shaw’s CV Extract

This is a short extract, correct as of 6/10/2024. For Dr Simone Shaw’s full CV, please contact us.

Article updated 10 Jan 2025

The post Understanding Genetic Markers for Depression: A Medical Expert’s View appeared first on Red Health.

1. Understand Your Ethical Obligations

Before stepping into the courtroom, it is crucial to refresh your understanding of the ethical code by which you practice. This ensures that your testimony remains grounded in the professional standards and moral guidelines that govern medical practice.

Dr Likely’s Advice: “Always have a copy of the medical board of ethics that we all swear to. It’s a critical reference point, especially when your professional judgment is questioned.”

2. Thoroughly Review All Materials

As a medical expert, you will be provided with documentation from both the plaintiff and defendant. It is essential to review all the materials meticulously, including your own reports and those of other medical experts.

Dr Likely’s Advice: “Reread your reports and any additional information supplied by the referring party. This also means brushing up on the technicalities of the illnesses or injuries related to the matter at hand.”

3. You’re Not on Trial

One of the most important lessons Dr Likely shares, passed down from his late mentor Professor Basil James, is to remember that as a medical expert, you are not the one on trial. Your role is to provide an expert opinion, not to defend your professional integrity.

Dr Likely’s Advice: “Always remember, you’re not on trial. This perspective helps maintain composure and focus on the task of delivering objective, informed testimony.”

4. Be Flexible with Alternative Hypotheses

During cross-examination, barristers may propose alternative hypotheses to challenge your conclusions. It is important to be open to these suggestions and acknowledge any reasonable points they raise, while also providing clear reasoning for your own stance.

Dr Likely’s Advice: “If you’re stubborn, you’ll paint yourself into a corner and look foolish. Acknowledge valid points but present clear reasons why you disagree. This approach maintains your credibility and strengthens your evidence.”

5. Stay Within Your Expertise

While it is tempting to cover every aspect of a case, it’s crucial to stay within the bounds of your medical expertise. Remember, the legal professionals are the experts in law; your role is to inform them with your medical knowledge.

Dr Likely’s Advice: “You’re the expert in your medical field, and the lawyers are experts in their field of law. Respecting this boundary helps ensure that your testimony is both relevant and credible.”

6. Directly Address the Barrister

When giving evidence, it is good practice to address your responses directly to the barrister asking the questions. This demonstrates attentiveness and ensures clarity in communication.

Dr Likely’s Advice: “I always write down the name of the barristers so I can address my answers directly to them. It personalises the interaction and helps keep the conversation focused.”

7. Anticipate the Unexpected

Courtroom dynamics can be unpredictable. It is beneficial to prepare mentally for questions that might not align with the focus of your report or expertise.

Dr Likely’s Advice: “In one case, I was asked about the importance of a dog to a patient’s mental health. This might seem trivial, but such details can be critical in forming a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s condition.”

8. Reflect and Learn from Each Experience

After giving evidence, take the time to reflect on the experience and to seek feedback. Each trial offers a learning opportunity that can enhance your future performance and contribute to your continuous professional development.

Dr Likely’s Advice: “I often reflect after and think, ‘What did you learn from that, Mike?’ This self-assessment is key to growth and can also count towards CPD points.”

Dr Michael Likely’s insights offer a valuable roadmap for medical professionals stepping into the courtroom. By staying informed, flexible, and focused on your ethical responsibilities, you can provide clear and credible evidence that upholds the integrity of your profession. Remember, as a medical expert, your role is to assist the court in understanding complex medical issues, not to be on trial yourself.

For more insights and professional advice from leading experts like Dr Likely, stay connected with Red Health.

Dr Michael Likely’s CV Extract

This is a short extract, correct as of 19/09/2024. For Dr Michael Likely’s full CV, please contact us.

The post Expert Insights: Dr Michael Likely’s Lessons for Medical Professionals Giving Court Evidence appeared first on Red Health.