One contributor commented that medical law is more of a medical
specialty than a legal one, since an understanding of the realities
of medical practice is more important than the legal knowledge
itself. The field is one that is still emergent and is experiencing
continuing growth.
You need to be able to withstand prolonged retraining. The
curriculum in law is wide ranging and the degree requires high
standards of analysis and writing. Good interpersonal skills are
essential in practice as a specialist, and you will need to be able
to adopt an approach that balances objectivity with humanity. Those
who bring added value to employment in this area are those who have
clinical experience in medicine and possess an understanding of the
realities of working within the health sector.
For a legal advisor to medical practitioners, a typical day might
include on-call availability for medico-legal advice; assistance
with submissions to ACC, the Health and Disability Commissioner or
the Medical Council; strategy setting with barristers; case
management; appearance at advocacy and mediation conferences; and
involvement with teaching and workshops.
There is likely to be an increasing demand for individuals who have
completed dual qualifications in medicine and law and who have
gained some years of clinical experience in medicine.
You should be mindful that it requires substantial retraining in a
completely new discipline and that there is some degree of risk with regard
to employment possibilities. There are no specific training posts available
in this field, but it would be useful to maintain a part time clinical
position both to sustain and broaden your clinical experience and to
generate income. It would be possible to undertake after-hours Accident &
Medical employment to allow for full time study, although this would be a
major commitment, especially if you have family to consider. It is not
necessary to undertake medical specialty training prior to or after
completing a law degree: a wide knowledge across medical disciplines is
preferable. While it is not essential to complete Honours in law, it would
probably be worthwhile and does not involve a significantly heavier study
load.
Opportunities in the medico-legal field are increasing. Possible
positions include acting as a legal advisor for medical defence
organisations, the Health and Disability Commissioner or ACC; a risk
manager for District Health Boards; a coroner; or practising as an
independent barrister. Employment is possible immediately after
graduation, though at any one time there are limited numbers of jobs
available that offer work in medicine and law. Possibilities include
the Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner, or firms that
provide District Health Board legal representation. Increasingly,
many of the larger law firms (and some of the smaller firms) are
employing staff who specialise in health care law. If you are aiming
for employment in this area you should try to secure a ‘summer
clerkship’ with one such firm during the university holiday break.
During training it is probably no more difficult to take time out
than it would be in any other area of specialty. Part time work is
an option while you are training or after you have qualified. The
Bachelor of Law itself can be undertaken on either a full or part
time basis, but you should preferably study at least half time in
the interests of completing the degree.
If you are retraining and managing a clinical job at the same time
then the study schedule will certainly impact on your availability
to family. Once training is complete, the after-hours lifestyle is
better than for most specialty areas of medicine.
