Age, Advocacy, and Allegations; Addressing the Persistent Risk of Missed and Delayed Diagnoses; and More

6 Key Risk Busters Medical Trainees Should Know

Welcome new medical trainees! During this so-called July Effect risk period — staying informed about your med mal risks will help ensure a safer training experience. A 2020 study of resident malpractice claims using CRICO (Candello) data identified key areas for trainees to focus on.

Improve Patient Safety and Reduce Risk

Procedural Awareness: Know procedural risks and confirm you’re prepared; most trainee-linked events involve punctures or lacerations, especially in surgery and ER.
Adequate Supervision: Always seek supervision—25% of claims involved lack of oversight, largely during procedures.
Simulation Training: Take part in simulation sessions to enhance skills and communication.
Clinical Exposure and Repetition: Reinforce your learning through repeated practice. Track procedures, review your performance, and get feedback before working independently.
Legal Risk Awareness: Learn local tort laws and document thoroughly. Trainees may face lawsuits even without direct harm involvement.
Safety Culture Support: Advocate for an environment where seeking help is encouraged. This benefits the well-being of patients and trainees.