#79 - From Malpractice Defendant to Litigation Coach : What Every Telemedicine Doctor Needs to Know

This episode is sponsored by NURP NURP helps busy physicians grow their wealth through AI-powered algorithmic trading designed for demanding careers. No day trading, no guesswork, and no constant market watching required.  Ready to put your money to work? Visit start.nurp.com/doctors  to learn more.  Trading involves risk, and results may vary. This is not financial advice. __________________________________ In this eye-opening episode of Telemedicine Talks, Dr. Leo Damasco welcomes Dr. Gita Pensa as she draws from her personal experience of being sued for 12 years,  including two jury trials, to demystify the litigation process for physicians, especially those practicing telemedicine across multiple state licenses. The conversation covers the critical differences between lawsuits and board actions, why litigation is far more common than most doctors realize, the psychological toll of being sued, and practical strategies for performing well in depositions and trials. Dr. Pensa also discusses the distinction between risk management and litigation performance, why most lawsuits don’t end in license loss or personal financial ruin, and how physicians can move from fear to empowerment through education and preparation. Top 3 Takeaways: Litigation is extremely common: If you practice long enough, especially in high-risk fields like EM or telemedicine, it’s often a matter of “when,” not “if.” Understanding the process reduces catastrophic fear. A lawsuit is not the same as a board action: Most cases are dismissed or result in no payment, but physicians must know how to report and respond appropriately, especially with multiple state licenses. Shift from risk management to litigation performance: Learn how to be an effective witness, articulate your reasoning clearly, and protect your mental health so fear doesn’t rob you of joy in practicing medicine.   About the Show Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine About the Guest Dr. Gita Penza is a practicing Emergency Physician with extensive experience as a medical malpractice defendant, including two jury trials. After 12 years navigating litigation, she became a coach and educator helping clinicians understand the legal, psychological, and professional realities of malpractice suits. She is the creator and host of the podcast Doctors and Litigation, The L Word, a regular contributor to EMRAP, and co-host of its UCmax program. Connect with Dr. Gita Pensa: Website: https://doctorsandlitigation.com Podcast:  Doctors and Litigation: the L Word Podcast Instagram: @doctors_and_litigation LinkedIn: Gita Pensa, M.D About the Host:   Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemeicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health. Connect with Leo: 
        [email protected]        Website: telemedicinetalks.com   The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.