Lately it seems that the only things I'm thinking about are the intersections between law and medicine. Up until this morning, I considered this a function of the national dialog about health care reform. Since I'm not in the health care industry, and since I don't like being left out of conversations, this was the simplest explanation.

The real answer is that the universe wants me to keep thinking about this topic.

On the way to work this morning I had another NPR driveway moment. (This would be understandable if I actually listened to NPR on the way to work, but that's what makes the story even better - I was so lost in a separate train of thought that I drove to work in silence, and for some reason turned my radio on only after parking.) Sitting in the parking garage, I heard an outstanding story about a group of retired health care practitioners called Bedside Advocates. This group of physicians and nurses do not practice medicine; rather, they provide information, facilitate better communication with health care providers, and develop a family-like relationship with clients.

In essence, they become zealous advocates.

For anybody who complains that lawyers simply do what their clients want, it is interesting to see the health care profession transplant a central tenet of our profession to improve their quality of care. When a client walks into my office, my job is to advocate for their interests. In order to know what their goals are, I have to listen. And ask questions. And educate. And ask more questions. And listen some more. A relationship forms through a shared common purpose, as well as through a discussion of our strategy to get there.

We talk a lot at Sumpter & Gonzalez about these things, and focusing on our "legal bedside manner". It's nice to see health care professionals acknowledge the need for "medical zealous advocacy", too.

Labels: doctors and lawyers, lagniappe, legal bedside manner, the role of defense attorneys, zealous advocacy

posted by David M. Gonzalez   permalink   0 Comments