The Critical Role of Communication to Avoid Risks When Treating Breast Cancer Patients

Dr. David Feldman, MD, MBA, FACS, Chief Medical Officer of The Doctors Company Group, a  physician-owned, medical malpractice insurer, and for the TDC Group of companies discusses the risks of mismanaged communications as indicated by a new study that found that oncology malpractice claims are often due to: behavioural mistakes, including incorrect diagnosis, improper management of treatment, and improper medication management.  He talks about how providers and patients can improve communication and how healthcare providers can mitigate risks to ensure continued high quality of care for breast cancer patients especially during COVID-19.

David L. Feldman, MD, MBA, CPE, FAAPL, FACS, serves as Chief Medical Officer of The Doctors Company Group. In addition, he is Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Healthcare Risk Advisors (HRA), a strategic business unit of The Doctors Company Group.Previously, Dr. Feldman was Vice President for Patient Safety, Vice President of Perioperative Services, and Vice Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.Under his leadership HRA provides resources and a collaborative environment designed to minimize claims and lower premiums for HRA clients by preventing patient harm, enhancing teamwork and communication, and improving documentation.Dr. Feldman currently serves on the steering committee of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) for retraining and retooling of practicing surgeons.Dr. Feldman received a bachelor of arts degree and doctor of medicine degree from Duke University, completed training in general surgery at The Roosevelt Hospital (now Mount Sinai West), and plastic surgery at Duke University Medical Center. He earned a master of business administration degree from New York University.