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September 11, 2025 21 mins

In this episode of From Print to Pod, Dr. Stephen M. Cohen, MD, MBA, the author of The Price of Integrity: A Surgeon’s Journey Through Legal Battles and Professional Betrayal, shares his experiences navigating the complexities of medical ethics, legal battles, and professional integrity as a surgeon. He discusses the emotional challenges of facing professional betrayal from organizations like the American College of Surgeons and the implications of serving as an expert witness in malpractice cases. Dr. Cohen emphasizes the importance of truth in medicine, the need for accountability within medical societies, and the challenges faced by young physicians in the legal landscape. He advocates for patient safety and integrity in the medical profession while expressing skepticism about the current state of professional organizations..

 

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Takeaways:

  • Dr. Cohen has over 30 years of experience in surgery.
  • He faced professional betrayal from the American College of Surgeons.
  • Testifying honestly can lead to professional repercussions.
  • Many surgeons fear retaliation for serving as expert witnesses.
  • The truth in court can be overshadowed by biases.
  • Young physicians must be prepared for emotional challenges in legal cases.
  • Professional societies often prioritize loyalty over accountability.
  • Dr. Cohen chose not to renew his ACS membership due to lack of support.
  • Advocating for truth in medicine is crucial for patient safety.
  • Change in professional organizations will take time.

 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Stephen Cohen's Journey

01:17 The Emotional Toll of Professional Betrayal

07:52 Navigating Professional Societies and Accountability

10:06 The Role of Expert Witnesses in Malpractice Cases

13:51 Mentoring Young Physicians in Legal Testimony

15:37 Balancing Truth and Professional Loyalty

17:52 Advocating for Patient Safety and Medical Integrity

19:00 Looking Forward: Trust in Professional Organizations

 

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