Eighty-seven percent of doctors who described themselves in a new survey as current residents or fellows reported being taught to practice defensive medicine while in medical school or residency. Of survey respondents in the 25- to 34-year-old age bracket, 83% learned to practice defensively by ordering additional tests or referrals, or by avoiding high-risk procedures to safeguard against potential liability. Attending physicians and mentors are teaching these tactics, respondents said.
