Pharmacology Expert Witnesses
Unparalleled insight into legal matters involving medications
Pharmacology is the branch of science that studies how drugs and other chemical substances interact with living systems, including the human body, to produce therapeutic effects. Within pharmacology are pharmacodynamics, which studies the interactions of chemicals with biological receptors, and pharmacokinetics, which focuses on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of chemicals from the biological systems.
Pharmacologists are medical scientists who study the effects of drugs, including mechanisms of action, side effects, drug interactions, and therapeutic uses. Most pharmacologists in the United States have at least a master’s degree in pharmacology or pharmaceutical sciences, and many have doctoral degrees.
Sub-specialties within pharmacology include:
- Clinical pharmacology
- Neuropharmacology
- Psychopharmacology
- Pharmacogenetics
- Pharmacogenomics
- Pharmacoepidemiology
- Toxicology
- Theoretical pharmacology
- Study of metrics in pharmacology.
- Posology
- Pharmacognosy
- Behavioral pharmacology
- Environmental pharmacology
Pharmacologists are distinct from pharmacists, who focus on dispensing medications, managing medication therapy, and monitoring patients for side effects.
The value of a pharmacologist as an expert witness
Pharmacologists can be key expert witnesses in personal injury and medical malpractice cases involving medication errors, drug interactions, and side effects. An experienced pharmacologist can offer nuanced, objective testimony on the effects of a medication on the body and offer a professional opinion on whether those effects could have caused a given injury or illness. Pharmacologists can analyze drug testing results, review drug labeling and warnings, and review medical records to identify potential drug interactions or adverse effects that may have contributed to an injury or illness.
If you’re considering a legal matter involving drug interactions or side effects, we can help. Rieback Medical-Legal Consultants has worked with many of America’s finest medical malpractice, personal injury, and product liability attorneys for decades. Our network includes highly qualified pharmacologists who are available for consultation and trial testimony. Contact us today for a free case summary review.