Chairmans Report

The Joint Council of State Neurosurgical Societies (JCSNS) met in Orlando on April 21 and 22, 1995. For the first time ever, delegates from state neurosurgical societies to the JCSNS met in formal session with the entire board of the AANS and the entire executive committee of the CNS. A truly representative assembly was initiated where resolutions were debated in a constructive democratic manner leading to disposition.

Informational transfer concerning managed care, tort reform, work force issues, graduate medical education governance etc., also occurred. Membership and leadership working together to solve the problems that all neurosurgeons face in their daily practice. The leadership in neurosurgery is to be congratulated for establishing this new and very productive line of communication with membership. It is now time for the membership to step up, to participate, and to be active in the constructive process that occurs in the arena of socioeconomic issues at the JCSNS meetings.

Neurosurgeons throughout the country need to become proactive and involved in their state neurosurgical societies. They need to take part in the debate and present new innovative and constructive ideas that will help improve neurosurgical patient care as well as our ability as neurosurgeons to deliver that care. Apathetic neurosurgeons or neurosurgeons who are simply “too busy” to get involved will watch our profession erode. The leadership in neurosurgery respectfully requests your help and assistance. Please give it before it is too late.

New Medico-Legal Service Offered to Young Neurosurgeons

The Young Physician’s Committee (YPC) of the Joint Council of State Neurosurgical Societies (JCSNS) has formed a Medico-Legal Advisory Panel. The YPC recognizes the concern of young neurosurgeons over the current medico-legal climate. Neurosurgical practice can be exceptionally stressful, particularly during the first few years. Perhaps the greatest single stress proves to be a neurosurgeons’s first malpractice lawsuit. The YPC would like to make young neurosurgeons aware that a group of senior neurosurgeons who have medico-legal expertise have volunteered as a source of advice to colleagues who are facing their first lawsuit.

Unfortunately, a common response to the first lawsuit is more often emotional rather than logical. The defendant-neurosurgeon is often unaware of the legal mechanisms involved and the sequence of events that will follow. Some may try to ignore the suit, hoping that it will go away, and in so doing lose valuable time and opportunity. An uninvolved and more experienced colleague can be very helpful in providing an empathetic sounding board and offer practical suggestions.

The service is informal and informational in nature. Young neurosurgeons utilizing the service are cautioned, however, the conversations are not privileged. Therefore, discussion of exact specifics regarding any particular case under litigation should be avoided, since this could theoretically make the contents of the conversation available to the plaintiff’s attorney under the rules of discovery.

The aim of the program is to have senior neurosurgeons offer young neurosurgeons the benefits of experience. The advice rendered is not intended to replace an attorney’s counsel or to second guess the attorney’s style or strategy in defending a case. Accordingly, the service and volunteers do not necessarily reflect the opinions of organized neurosurgery, and all advice is non-binding. The neurosurgeons who have volunteered their services are:

• Gaston Acosta-Rua, MD
  2545 Riverside Ave., Jacksonville FL 32204
  (904) 388-6516

• Ben Blackett, MD, JD
  916 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405
  (206) 393-5056

• Joseph C. Cauthen, MD
  6510 N.W. 9th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605
  (904) 331-0811

• Charles Fager, MD
  Lahey Clinic
  41 Burlington Mall Road
  Burlington, MA 01803
  (617) 273-8640
  
  

• Leonard I. Kranzler, MD, JD
  680 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
  (312)329-1000
  
  

• Robert Rand, MD
  John Wayne Cancer Center
  2220 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 123
  Santa Monica, CA 90404
  (301) 998-3978

• Clark Watts, MD, JD
  2000 San Jacinto Center
  98 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin TX 78701
  (512) 476-2020

If you are involved in a first medical practice suit and have questions or concerns about the timings, mechanisms, procedures, etc, and need an informal resource, you may call one of the listed neurosurgeons directly.

The YPC would like to thank these neurosurgeons who have generously volunteered their time to help young neurosurgeons across the country and we hope that this service proves beneficial to all. Any suggestions would be welcomed by the Young Physicians’ Committee of the JCSNS.

Questions about this new service may be directed to: