Staying inside your expertise

Expertise is narrower than a title. Define setting, patient population, procedure, period, and question; identify what needs another specialty.

The practical point

Declining an adjacent issue is a sign of discipline, not weakness.

Begin with scope, not an earnings promise

Expert work is a professional service, not passive income. Start with the clinical questions you are qualified to address, records required, time available, and opinion limits. Hive does not guarantee case volume, engagement, or earnings.

What to prepare

• An accurate current CV, practice status, licenses, and certifications.
• A concise specialty scope, including questions you will not address.
• Availability, conflicts, side preferences, and a transparent rate schedule.

How to evaluate a matter

Review a minimum-disclosure summary first. Confirm fit, deadline, records, and conflicts. Use the same clinical method regardless of retaining side, distinguish evidence from uncertainty, and decline work that requires an unsupported conclusion.

Related physician guides

• How do doctors become expert witnesses?
• How much do physician expert witnesses charge?
• Do expert witnesses have to testify?

Educational information only. Qualification requirements vary by jurisdiction and matter. This is not legal advice.