The Doctors Company is committed to commissioning independent, third-party research that examines the most pressing challenges in healthcare and the medical malpractice industry.

Their new study indicates that inflation—both economic and social—has added an estimated $4 billion in insured losses and expenses to the medical malpractice insurance market over the past decade.

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Few things in a healthcare practitioner’s life generate more stress and disruption than an allegation of professional malpractice.

The litigation process and the uncertainty it creates may cause a practitioner to experience stress-related symptoms—including anger, anxiety, depression, or physical illness. The first step in alleviating the uncertainty is to understand the litigation process and your role as a defendant.

If you are ever the subject of a claim (a patient’s verbal or written demand for compensation) or formal lawsuit, The Doctors Company will defend your livelihood and reputation, and be with you throughout the process.

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The New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons (NYSSPS) is pleased to announce the proposed 2025–2026 Slate of Officers, as recommended by the Nominating Committee and to be presented for election at the upcoming Annual Meeting.

Proposed Slate of Officers

• President: Samara Churgin, MD

• President-Elect: Mahira Tanovic, MD

• Vice President: Jeffrey Ridha, MD

• Treasurer: Glenn Becker, MD

• Secretary: Libby Copeland, MD

• Member-at-Large: Keith Blechman, MD

•  Immediate Past President: Diana Yoon-Schwartz, MD

These distinguished leaders bring extensive experience in clinical practice, advocacy, and professional service to their roles. Together, they will guide the Society’s continued efforts to promote excellence in plastic surgery, protect the interests of New York’s surgeons, and advance patient safety and access to care.

The election of officers will take place during the Annual Meeting of Members on October 22, 2025, in New York City.

NYSSPS extends sincere appreciation to the Nominating Committee for its work in identifying leaders who exemplify the Society’s mission and values.

By: Lisa M. McCorkle, MSN, MBA, RN, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, The Doctors Company                     

In 2021, the American Health Information Management Association Foundation surveyed 1,059 U.S. residents age 18 or older in a nationally representative sample. The survey found that Americans typically seek out health information by contacting their doctor and the internet equally. Of those who secure health information from the internet, 86 percent are confident the information is credible.

This can sometimes be a challenge for healthcare practitioners, because health misinformation—information that is false, inaccurate, or misleading according to the best available evidence at the time—is abundant on the internet. Health misinformation is a significant obstacle in healthcare, as it can lead to misunderstandings, poor health decisions, and adverse outcomes for patients. In a recent survey of physicians by The Doctors Company, 64 percent of physicians named misinformation on social media one of the most challenging aspects of practicing medicine.

In particular, social media has profoundly influenced plastic surgery, offering a platform for surgeons to showcase their work and connect with potential patients. However, experts warn that it can also promote unrealistic expectations by emphasizing only the positive outcomes and downplaying the realities of procedures and recovery. 

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The New York Yankees have invited NYSSPS members to join them at Yankee Stadium for Healthcare Appreciation Night on August 25th, 26th or 27th!

This special event is dedicated to recognizing the hard work and commitment of healthcare professionals across New York and the nation — and we’re proud to be part of it.

Your ticket includes:

• A New York Yankees Healthcare Tumbler or Scrubs

• A $15 Food & Beverage Voucher (valid at any concession stand on the general concourse)

Item pickup instructions will be provided prior to the event.
Please note: Ticket prices include sales tax, are for select non-premium seating, and all sales are final.

Come enjoy an evening of baseball, camaraderie, and celebration with fellow NYSSPS members, and help honor our profession in the heart of Yankee Stadium!

Purchase your tickets online

A new survey of physicians by The Doctors Company confirms a familiar but deepening concern: Few physicians would recommend a career in medicine. The survey’s results point to mounting challenges that are eroding professional satisfaction and prompting many clinicians to reevaluate their futures. 

As healthcare organizations chart a course through turbulent times, The Doctors Company is committed to illuminating emerging risks and identifying actionable solutions—so physicians can focus on what matters most: delivering exceptional care.

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As a physician, it's not a question of if you'll face a lawsuit, but when. In certain high-risk specialties, over two-thirds of doctors will encounter a claim. For all specialties, the probability of being sued increases with time: Older medical professionals, having practiced longer, are exposed to more risk, and thus the likelihood of facing a lawsuit rises with age.^* Additionally, the risk associated with litigation is growing due to the increase in nuclear malpractice verdicts. From 2013 to 2023, the American court system witnessed approximately a 67 percent rise in medical malpractice verdicts awarding $10 million or more.

Whether you’re choosing medical malpractice insurance for the first time or seeking additional coverage for an established practice, selecting the right insurer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. When your reputation and livelihood are on the line, you need a strong, proactive insurance partner on your side.

What Type of Carrier Should You Choose?

The New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons (NYSSPS) is voicing strong opposition to legislation currently under consideration in Albany, A1916 (Paulin)/S6231 (Webb), which would allow estheticians and cosmetologists to perform laser hair removal without any oversight by a licensed healthcare professional.

NYSSPS warns that while laser hair removal is widely sought after, it involves the use of FDA-regulated medical devices capable of causing serious injuries such as burns, scarring, and pigmentation changes when administered improperly. These risks are particularly heightened for individuals with darker skin tones, who face a greater likelihood of complications like hyperpigmentation or paradoxical hair growth.

Citing a 2021 study published by the American Dermatology Society, NYSSPS notes that 83% of laser-related lawsuits involved nonphysicians or non-specialty physicians, underscoring the critical need for qualified oversight in these procedures.

“Training alone is not sufficient,” the Society stated. “Oversight from trained medical professionals is essential to ensure patient safety and prompt treatment if complications arise.”

Currently, 35 states classify laser hair removal as a medical procedure, and 39 require physician oversight. New York stands out as one of the few states lacking any statutory or regulatory framework—something NYSSPS believes must be addressed with greater accountability, not less.

NYSSPS is urging lawmakers to oppose A1916/S6231 in its current form, and requests that laser hair removal instead be classified as a medical procedure, to be performed or supervised only by licensed healthcare practitioners.

While the Society supports the goal of establishing clearer training standards, it stresses that any meaningful reform must include an oversight structure. NYSSPS believes this is the only way to protect New Yorkers and uphold the standards of care they deserve.

Take Action and contact your legislators today!

The Grieving Families Act (Wrongful Death) bill has passed the New York State Senate and will be debated in the Assembly Judiciary Committee tomorrow, June 4th. 

We strongly encourage you to take action by using this form to contact your legislators directly. By utilizing this platform, you can express your opposition to the reintroduced bill and convey the critical importance of preserving a thriving plastic surgery community in New York.

Background

This is a bill that was previously vetoed by Governor Hochul and has resurfaced in the form of a reintroduced bill (S.4423, A.6063). This bill seeks to expand damages awarded in wrongful death cases, which could have severe consequences for our healthcare community. It threatens to escalate liability insurance premiums, further burdening our practices and hindering our ability to provide quality care to our patients.

Our collective voice is powerful, and by coming together, we can make an impact. We urge you to act swiftly and contact your legislators today, emphasizing the negative consequences this bill could have on our profession and the patients who depend on us for their healthcare needs.

The 2025 MSSNY House of Delegates reaffirmed strong support for medical liability reform. However, a major threat looms: Wrongful Death Expansion (A6063/S4423) has passed the Senate and awaits Assembly action.

This bill would significantly increase malpractice exposure in New York—already the highest payout state in the nation—and could further strain access to care.

Take action now:
Visit the NYSSPS Legislative Action Center to urge the Governor and your Assemblymember to oppose this legislation.

More policy updates here: MSSNY 2025 HOD Summary