Citation

Chadwick DL, Krous HF, Runyan DK. Pediatrics 2006; 117(6): 2247-2251.

Affiliation

Chadwick Center for Children and Families, Children's Hospital-San Diego, CA 91941, USA. dlchadwick1@earthlink.net

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, American Academy of Pediatrics)

DOI

10.1542/peds.2006-0429

PMID

16740871

Abstract

In this article we address the recent actions of the General Medical Council in the United Kingdom affecting 2 pediatricians who are major contributors to pediatric knowledge about the intentional suffocation of infants. The General Medical Council struck one of them from the register of licensed medical practitioners, but the decision was appealed successfully. The council restricted the practice of the other pediatrician. After a review of the transcripts of the hearings, we conclude that the opinions given by both doctors were responsible, and the transcripts suggest that the conduct of the hearings was unfair. Licensing boards may have difficulty in competently regulating doctors' expert testimony, at least in cases involving child maltreatment.

Language: en