2026 Risk Management Programs
Navigating Board of Medicine Complaints: Risk Management Strategies for OB/GYNs and Surgeons
Presented by John T. Sly, Esq. and Steven Berlin, MD
This specialized risk management course is designed for obstetricians, gynecologists, and surgeons to equip them with practical tools for preventing and handling medical board complaints. Drawing from real-world insights shared in a mock vignette interview between John T. Sly, Esq., an expert in defending physicians, and Dr. Steven Berlin, who has successfully navigated multiple board defenses, the course uses anonymized case studies from closed MedGuard and board complaints rather than malpractice litigation. Participants will explore the full lifecycle of a board complaint—from initial triggers to resolution—focusing on proactive prevention measures and effective strategies during the investigative process to minimize stress, protect professional reputations, and improve outcomes.
Objectives
- Understand the typical lifecycle of a medical board complaint, including common triggers specific to OB/GYN and surgical practices.
- Identify key risk factors and implement preventive strategies to reduce the likelihood of complaints arising from patient interactions, documentation, or procedural issues.
- Learn best practices for responding to complaints during the process, such as gathering evidence, communicating with boards, and leveraging expert defenses.
- Analyze real-world case studies from closed MedGuard and board complaints to apply lessons learned to personal practice scenarios.
- Develop skills to make the complaint process more manageable, including self-advocacy techniques and collaboration with defense experts like Mr. Sly and Dr. Berlin.