Medical Negligence Basics
At the end of this presentation, participants should be able to:
- Provide a basic overview of a medical malpractice claim
- Give insight as to why medical negligence claims are made
- Educate on ways to minimize the risk being named in a lawsuit
- Quick overview-Provider wellbeing initiatives/supports
About the presenters:
Stephen Bullington
Senior Partner
Jones, Skelton & Hochuli, P.L.C.
Phoenix, AZ
Steve Bullington is a senior partner with the law firm Jones, Skelton & Hochuli. He graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law, magna cum laude, in 1988 and has practiced in the area of medical negligence in Phoenix since that time. In his 30+ years of representing health care professionals in medical negligence matters, he has defended virtually every discipline within the field of medicine. He has tried over thirty cases to a jury, with the vast majority of those as lead trial counsel. Mr. Bullington is admitted to practice in Arizona and in the United States District Court, District of Arizona. He has been named numerous times to the Best Lawyers of America, Southwest Super Lawyers, Phoenix Magazine’s Top Lawyers, and enjoys an AV preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is also a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the American College of Trial Lawyers. Mr. Bullington enjoys working with healthcare professionals and guiding them through the stressful litigation process. He also enjoys learning the medicine applicable to a difficult case and mentoring young lawyers.
Sarjita Shukla, MD
Hospitalist
Phoenix Children’s
Sarjita Shukla, MD, is a pediatric hospitalist who cares for patients while they're in the hospital. She's also the medical director of Integrative Medicine, a program she developed and the first of its kind at Phoenix Children's.
During her residency at Phoenix Children's, Dr. Shukla saw motivated and innovative pediatric providers who sought the most up-to-date medical knowledge to provide the best care for their patients. Their dedication and passion for being and doing better for patients inspired her to stay.
Dr. Shukla's grandfather, a physician in India, was her motivation to pursue a career in medicine. She saw first-hand the impact of his care for patients in underserved communities and how the field of medicine uses the power of education, empowerment and human connection for the greater good.
Dr. Shukla is board certified with the American Board of Pediatrics in general pediatrics and pediatric hospital medicine. She's also board certified with the American Board of Physician Specialties in integrative medicine.
Dr. Shukla contributes to advancing her field by teaching the next generation of physicians and participating in quality improvement initiatives. She's also presented at national and regional professional conferences.
As the medical director of the integrative medicine program, Dr. Shukla treats each patient as a whole person instead of simply treating a disease. She focuses on educating and empowering patients and families to improve their health and quality of life.
When she's not working, Dr. Shukla enjoys spending time with her family and being involved in the community. She makes integrative health and wellness a part of her life through fitness, nutrition, time in nature and meditation. She also enjoys the creative arts, including dance, violin, drawing and painting.