Who should be an expert in endoscopy?

Abstract

This paper addresses the fundamental legal question as to who can act as an expert witness when procedures are performed by a range of clinical professionals. Endoscopies are performed by gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses and physician associates. There is a growing tendency for defence teams to seek the court's approval for assessment by an expert from the same background. Such an approach needs to be rigorously rejected. All endoscopists undergo a common training program and their practice is monitored by the same body. To suggest that different standards should apply to different professional groups would seriously undermine the current training standards and the confidence of patients undergoing endoscopic procedures.