Hello,
I wanted to post this in case you haven't seen it yet.
Heather 

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October 26, 2007, Wall Street Journal
A Silenced Malpractice Witness 
Posted by Joe Mantone 

link for full article:
http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2007/10/26/#

http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2007/10/26/a-silenced-malpractice-witness/


As a young doctor Barry Schifrin worked on the team that pioneered the 
electronic fetal monitor. But he spent decades after the technology was 
widely adopted sounding the alarm about how doctors can misinterpret 
readings from the devices. 

The mistakes can lead to unnecessary cesarean sections and increased use of 
forceps or vacuums, which can increase the chances of injury to babies during 
delivery. Still, most believe the monitors have virtually eliminated stillbirths and 
provide valuable information about a baby’s heartbeat. 

It’s Schifrin’s work as a paid witness testifying against fellow physicians in 
malpractice cases that has rankled his peers, WSJ’s Heather Won Tesoriero 
reports. 

When something goes wrong during delivery, a lawsuit can follow. Fetal 
monitor readings, often central to the cases, are subject to interpretation. 
That makes expert witnesses, such as Schifrin, key figures in court. 

Obstetrician Miriam Mackovic-Basic, whom Schifrin testified against, tells the 
WSJ: “I personally think he’s a tragic figure…He’s brilliant and well-spoken, but 
he destroys peoples’ lives.” (more…)

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