ABFM Professional Standards & Competencies 2

Question 1

When a forensic physician is asked by an attorney to alter findings in a report to favor their client, the appropriate response is:

Accepted Answer

Refuse and document the request

Answer

Forensic physicians must refuse requests to alter findings and should document such requests to protect their integrity.

Question 2

The principle of 'reasonable medical certainty' in forensic testimony means:

Accepted Answer

More likely than not true based on medical knowledge

Answer

Reasonable medical certainty means the opinion is more probable than not, typically exceeding 50% likelihood based on medical knowledge.

Question 3

A forensic medicine expert witness discovers mid-trial that their initial report contained a calculation error. They should:

Accepted Answer

Disclose the error to the court and correct the record

Answer

Expert witnesses have a duty to the court requiring disclosure and correction of errors regardless of which party it may disadvantage.

Question 4

Which body primarily governs the ethical standards for board-certified forensic medicine physicians in the US?

Accepted Answer

American Board of Forensic Medicine and relevant specialty boards

Answer

The ABFM, along with relevant specialty boards and state licensing authorities, collectively govern professional and ethical standards for certified forensic physicians.

Question 5

Daubert standards, as applied to forensic medicine testimony, primarily require that expert opinions be:

Accepted Answer

Derived from generally accepted methods in the scientific community

Answer

Under Daubert, courts evaluate whether expert methods are scientifically reliable and generally accepted, not merely personally experienced.

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

(ABFM) American Board of Forensic Medicine Certification Practice Test

ABFM Professional Standards & Competencies 2