ABFM Communication & Client Relations 2

Question 1

When a forensic medical expert is deposed and opposing counsel asks a compound question, the most appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Ask counsel to break the question into separate parts before responding

Answer

Compound questions can create ambiguous or misleading answers on the record, so the expert should request that each part be asked separately.

Question 2

A forensic physician receives a subpoena for records related to a case in which they served as a treating physician rather than a forensic consultant. The proper first step is to:

Accepted Answer

Notify the patient and consult legal counsel before producing records

Answer

When records are subpoenaed in a treating physician capacity, the physician should notify the patient and seek legal guidance because patient privacy rights may apply.

Question 3

During testimony, a forensic expert states a conclusion that slightly exceeds the data in their report. The retaining attorney should:

Accepted Answer

Follow up on redirect to allow the expert to clarify the basis for the statement

Answer

Redirect examination is the appropriate vehicle to allow an expert to clarify or correct testimony that may have gone beyond the written report.

Question 4

A client attorney asks a forensic physician to use language in a report that is technically accurate but likely to mislead a jury. The ethical response is to:

Accepted Answer

Decline and explain that the report must communicate findings clearly and accurately

Answer

Forensic experts have an overriding duty to the court and to honest communication; deliberately misleading language violates professional ethics regardless of client instructions.

Question 5

When communicating an opinion about cause of death to a non-medical attorney client, the forensic physician should prioritize:

Accepted Answer

Translating medical findings into plain language while preserving accuracy

Answer

Effective forensic consultation requires converting technical findings into language the attorney client can understand and strategically apply, without sacrificing accuracy.

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

ABFM Communication & Client Relations 2