Opinion ID: 2403835
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: McCools' Medical Expert Dr. Gehret's Indirect Communications

Text: Dr. Gehret became aware of Dr. Dein's report in the fall of 1991. He found the tone of the report derogatory. In November 1991, Dr. Gehret telephoned an acquaintance on the medical staff at the Bryn Mawr Hospital, Dr. Stephen Krell (Dr. Krell). Dr. Gehret testified that he was interested in Dr. Krell's estimation of Dr. Dein and wanted to ascertain Dr. Dein's motive in writing a report filled with outrageous statements. Dr. Gehret also asked Dr. Krell to speak to Dr. Dein about his role in the case, knowing that Dr. Dein intended to serve as the plaintiffs' expert witness. Dr. Krell apparently felt uncomfortable complying with Dr. Gehret's request and did nothing in response. After Dr. Gehret contacted Dr. Krell by telephone a second time, however, Dr. Krell complied with Dr. Gehret's request. In December 1991, following the second phone call from Dr. Gehret, Dr. Krell approached Dr. Dein in the physicians' locker room at the Bryn Mawr Hospital. According to Dr. Dein, Dr. Krell informed him that Dr. Gehret had asked him twice to relay the message that it was inappropriate for doctors to testify against doctors. [6] Dr. Dein believed the message was intended to coerce or intimidate him into not testifying. On April 1, 1992, Dr. Dein was deposed. On that same day, Mrs. McCool asked Dr. Dein to help her locate a Delaware physician to assist as an expert witness in her litigation. Dr. Dein refused, indicating that he was uncomfortable and felt it would not be in his best interest to become more involved in her lawsuit. Dr. Dein assured Mrs. McCool, however, that he still intended to serve as her expert medical witness at trial.