The Lawyerization of Medicine

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2001

Journal Title

Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law

ISSN

0361-6878

DOI

10.1215/03616878-26-5-1179

Abstract

By my rough estimate, nearly as many Americans possess both medical and law degrees as there are practicing attorneys in Japan. To be sure, this artfully phrased factoid omits important context about the relation- ship between professional education and professional practice in the two countries. The comparison still reveals more than it conceals. First, there are a lot of lawyers in the United States. Second, a lot of work done else- where by nonlawyers is performed here by lawyers. Third, the formal fusion of legal and medical expertise in the United States, while a small percentage of either profession, is in absolute terms quite substantial.

First Page

1179

Last Page

1195

Num Pages

17

Volume Number

26

Issue Number

5

Publisher

Duke University Press

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