A San Antonio orthopedic surgeon says two national medical organizations punished him for testifying against other surgeons in malpractice cases, raising questions about whether a disciplinary process is being used to deter expert witnesses who testify for patients.
Dr. Thomas DeBerardino, a professor at UT Health San Antonio, is suing the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons. His claims include defamation, violation of his First Amendment right to free speech and tortious interference with prospective business relationships.
He is seeking damages, attorney fees and a court declaration that the organizations violated his rights and that their disciplinary rules are unlawful…