Surgeon on Trial is the story of an ordinary young boy, who against all odds, is making his life’s journey through three continents experiencing blessings from unexpected sources. As a well-qualified general surgeon, he made the transition from Manhattan to a very small town in South Louisiana. As the only surgeon in the community, he had to be always available, and he did not have the luxury for a consult or second opinion in difficult cases. The unseen hand of the Lord was leading his hands in those situations.The plaintiff’s attorney was very theatrical in making her summary for the jurors. After telling the story of an eighteen-wheeler cutting red light and crushing a small car that was proceeding in a green light, she added, “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the truck driver in this story is the defendant in this case, Dr. Mathew, and the driver of the small vehicle that was demolished is the plaintiff, Ms. Black. You heard her story, how much she got hurt in the hands of Dr. Mathew. According to the law, the driver who caused the accident must compensate for the damages that he caused.”Getting the presence of mind to face the plaintiff’s attorney’s ruthless attack without showing anger, frustration, or sorrow and getting the right words to use in answering her questions can happen with God’s help.Looking back, trials are all learning experiences in life. It teaches you humility and lets you be aware of your vulnerability. It often gives you a new perspective on life.If only those of us who complain that the cost of medical care is high in the USA do something to ease the liability crisis. I have lost my hope in the legislature to be of much help in this; they themselves are mostly trial lawyers.

--K. E. MATHEW, MD, FACS

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