Opinion ID: 1355273
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Dr. Cynthia Gardner

Text: Defendant Thomas complains that Dr. Gardner's testimony concerning the victim's therapy should not have been allowed as it was outside her field of expertise. During Dr. Gardner's direct testimony, she was questioned as to the daily regimen of care for James Day by his wife. An objection was made on the basis that Dr. Gardner is not a health-care provider, she's not a physical therapist, she's not  doesn't have any expertise in any of these areas. The trial court sustained the objection, and instructed the prosecutor to rephrase the line of questioning. No other objections were made to this line of questioning. The State submits that Defendant Thomas has, therefore, waived any challenge to Dr. Gardner's testimony on this issue. Dr. Gardner is a licensed medical doctor in Tennessee and is currently employed as an assistant medical examiner for Shelby County. Dr. Gardner is also an instructor in pathology for the medical school. Dr. Gardner completed her residency in anatomic and clinical pathology following medical school, then completed a fellowship in forensic pathology. Based upon her training as a medical doctor, Dr. Gardner was qualified to testify regarding catheterization. The trial court did not abuse its discretion in admitting this testimony. This claim is without merit.