Endocrinology Expert Witnesses
Deep insight into injuries and malpractice affecting the endocrine system
Endocrinology is the science of hormones, chemical messengers that regulate body functions and processes. While every organ in the body secretes and responds to hormones, endocrinologists focus on the endocrine organs whose primary function is hormone secretion: the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, testes, and pancreas.
Endocrinologists specialize in treating endocrine system disorders, such as diabetes and hyperthyroidism. In the United States, endocrinologists must complete medical school, earn an MD or DO degree, and then complete a three-year residency in internal medicine, pediatrics, or gynecology. Following residency, endocrinologists complete a two- to three-year fellowship in endocrinology. Board Certification for endocrinologists is administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
Endocrinologists treat many types of diseases, including:
- Adrenal disorders like adrenal insufficiency and Cushing’s syndrome.
- Glucose homeostasis disorders, including diabetes, hypoglycemia, and thyroiditis.
- Calcium homeostasis disorders, including rickets and osteoporosis.
- Pituitary gland disorders, including diabetes insipidus.
- Sex hormone disorders, including ovarian failure and Turner syndrome.
Endocrinologist malpractice case matter
Misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment of an endocrine disorder can have far-reaching implications for the patient’s future, including loss of limbs, loss of vision, infertility, and renal failure. Some examples of endocrinologist malpractice include:
- Misdiagnosis of an endocrine disorder
- Failure to order follow-up tests, especially for suspected cancers like thyroid cancer
- Failure to notice abnormal blood test results
- Mismanagement of a hormonal disorder
- Failure to communicate with other specialists and primary care providers
The role of an endocrinologist in an injury case
Injuries and illnesses that affect the endocrine system, such as brain injuries that damage the pituitary gland, can profoundly affect a plaintiff’s life. Endocrinologists can offer professional opinions on the causes of such injuries and whether they involved a pre-existing medical condition or purely external forces. They can also explain the long-term cost of treatment and the effects on the plaintiff’s quality of life.
Since treatment for hormone disorders can be quite costly, endocrinologists play a critical role in calculating compensation for injuries that affect the endocrine system. Having the right expert witness can be a crucial factor in the outcome of such a case.
An experienced endocrinologist can make all the difference
Medical malpractice and personal injury cases involving the endocrine system can be exceptionally complex, and having the right expert witness is the key to a successful outcome. If you need a Board-Certified endocrinologist to review a potential case or assist with an ongoing case, contact us today to find out how Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants can help.