watercress words by Dr Aletha

(previously posted under the title 6 reasons to sue your doctor-and how not to-part 3)

In the article, “YOU’VE BEEN SUED FOR MALPRACTICE-NOW WHAT?” (Medical Economics, March 10, 2015) attorney Richard Baker offers 6 common reasons for malpractice lawsuits, and what physicians can do to prevent them. In this series I look at them from the patient viewpoint- what you can do avoid getting care that makes you want to sue .

3. FAILURE TO KEEP CURRENT WITH STANDARDS AND KNOWLEDGE

You can’t control your doctor’s training, CME (continuing medical education), and certifications. But you have a right and responsibility to confirm that the doctor is qualified to perform the services offered. Doctors’ offices have diplomas, licenses, awards displayed on the walls for a reason-they want you to look at them. Hospitals and other health care facilities make sure that the physicians have the appropriate credentials. Social media expert Kevin Pho, M.D. explains how to check out a doctor’s credentials online-

Finding a doctor online and researching your physician on the Internet

Physicians can attend live lectures, watch or listen to lectures online and even view CME activities on a smart phone or other hand held device.

Physicians must have a license for every state where they practice. Most physicians in the United States are board certified .which shows competency in their specialty. They take a written and sometimes oral exam and perform the requirements for MOC- maintenance of certification – medical study through lectures, reading, chart reviews and interactive online activities and repeat testing every few years.

Learn more about certification in Family Medicine and if your family physician is board certified at the website of the American Board of Family Medicine

updated June 17, 2026

I watched the final game of the Women’s World Cup between Japan and the United States. Tuning in a few minutes late I was stunned to see I missed the first 2 goals! Believe me, I paid attention the rest of the game and was not disappointed. I admired the skill, talent and energy of both teams and with other Americans cheered the United States team’s victory clinching the world champion title 5-2.

Besides enjoying the action I was more impressed by the class and grace demonstrated by both teams as winners and as losers. That is the greatest lesson we can teach children and I hope parents used that as a “teachable moment”.

I observed the superb fitness level of these and the other participants in the World Cup. Running up and down a field , kicking a ball and outmaneuvering opponents for 90 minutes is exhausting, but they made it look almost easy. We can’t all be world class athletes but we can be physically active in some way.

How to get active

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

moderate-intensive physical activity for 150 minutes or more per week
vigorous-intensity activity for at least 75 minutes per week
engaging in muscle strengthening activity at least twice per week.

Why to get active

Medical studies show that exercise can prevent or improve many chronic health conditions and lack of exercise contributes to many diseases.

Physical activity may reduce the risk of cancers of the breast, colon, uterus, prostate and pancreas.

Regular exercise may help prevent diabetes and heart disease.

Exercise can relieve joint and back pain due to arthritis.

Depression is treated successfully with physical activity

With proper guidance, anyone can perform some exercise or other physical activity regularly. I stay active with walking, ballroom dancing, gardening, and have recently tried yoga and tai chi.

I have more energy and stamina when I am active regularly, and get sluggish if I don’t.

What do you do to stay active, fit and moving? Please share and encourage someone else.

Exploring the HEART of Health

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