This presentation discusses the strategies that should be employed by a physician once served with suit papers naming him/her in a medical malpractice action beginning with the service of the summons to the rendering of a verdict by a jury. More specifically, the role of the defendant physician in teaming with his/her defense counsel and the absolute importance of the defendant physician being present for all or at least most of the trial is explored. In today’s litigious climate, few surgeons are immune from claims alleging professional liability. This presentation explores the psychological impact of a malpractice claim on physicians and discusses available resources necessary to cope with these malpractice cases.