Legal training course just what doctors ordered as cases rise
UITENHAGE Justice Centre executive Dr Henry Lerm is a man on a mission now making his mark in the world of medicine, as well as the law.
That is because Lerm, 61, is tutoring members of the health profession in medical law when the need arises.
He co-hosts lectures with University of South Africa Professor Magda Slabbert over weekends.
The course deals with legal principles, medical law, and ethics.
“It is quite a daunting task and humbling experience to present lectures to esteemed medical practitioners.”
Lerm started the lectures this year and will present his second lecture in Gauteng this weekend. Lerm was called in after the Law Society convinced the Health Professions Council of South Africa that a need existed for health practitioners to undergo legal training.
“Litigation against hospitals and doctors has become so rife in our country that I expected a more hostile reception from the audience,” he said.
“But, once I walked into that lecture hall during my first encounter, there was an amazing feeling.
“I knew then that I could learn as much as they could learn from me.”
Lerm acquired some expertise in medico-legal matters through his academic background as well as practical experience in litigation.
He completed his doctorate, the LLD Degree through the University of Pre- toria in 2008. The research he undertook was titled “Critical Analysis of Indemnity Clauses in Medical Contracts”.
It dealt with comparative research into medico-legal practices and protocols in other jurisdictions, including the US, Canada, the UK, and, to a limited extent, Germany.
Lerm is a member of the South Africa Medico Legal Society.