From: Brian Kiel, DPM
I disagree with Dr. Katzen that a podiatrist should never testify against another podiatrist. To make a sweeping statement like that is not appropriate. I agree that it is wrong for a podiatrist or any physician to make a living as a plaintiff's expert witness. As we all know, there are people like that and that they will say anything to make a buck. However, there are instances when the acts by someone were so egregious that it would be unethical to refuse to evaluate or testify in a case. In a case where someone has to leave the office to do so and not get compensated for that time is unfair. To never testify against another podiatrist just because he or she is a podiatrist can be harmful to the public and allows those who might perpetrate repetitive malpractice to continue to practice unpunished.
From: J K. Winckelbach, DPM, Burton Katzen, DPM
I have had the privilege to know Dr. Harris for 48 years, both as a classmate and colleague. Dr. Harris is one of the most honest people I know. He is respected as one of the most knowledgeable podiatrists in his sub-specialty. If he testifies for the plaintiff, then you know he will be as fair as if he were to testify for a defendant. Unfortunately, there ARE bad outcomes, either from inadequate training, bad judgement, or perhaps a cavalier attitude, and those "patients" need to be represented fairly.
Dr. Harris, I am so glad you are all for "fairness" for plaintiffs. I also realize that in rare occasions, you may come across an unscrupulous member of our profession who deserves
to be punished. However, what you failed to mention is how much you profited by trying to "save the world" from these unscrupulous podiatrists.
Let me give you a suggestion. About twenty years ago, I re-operated on a case which had a horrible result. Since I was the only doctor who saw this patient after the original surgery, I was called on to review the case and testify. After reviewing the previous doctor's record, it was obvious...
Editor's note: Dr. Katzen's extended-length letter can be read here.
From: Edwin J. Harris, DPM
I would like to respond to Drs. Silhanek and Steinberg on their recent comments regarding the posting of the results of a medical malpractice action in the State of New York in which I was expert for the plaintiff. I will state my case and I refuse to get involved in any ongoing debate
with them in this venue.
First, please do not malign Rosalind Franklin or the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. I am a very part-time instructor with the lowest possible academic position, and I do not routinely use my affiliation as a professional credential.
Second, I would remind...
Editor's note: Dr. Harris' extended-length letter can be read here.
From: Charles M Lombardi, DPM
Anyone interested in having a copy of the testimony of any portion of this trial, especially that of Dr. Steven Boc, may contact me directly and I will forward it to you. I think you may find it interesting how many States of these United States Dr. Boc has testified in...always as a plaintiff's witness. You may also find it interesting that he was paid over $20,000 just for his testimony in this case. You may also find it interesting at one time he had a separate LLP set up just for his malpractice work. You may also find it interesting that he is a residency director at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia and was former Chairman of the Surgery Department at Temple University College of Podiatric Medicine!
I believe you will also find it interesting how great a job my attorney, Glen Pewarski, did in researching him! Please feel free to contact me
