As a radiology expert witness retained in over 150 cases, I have reviewed cases for both plaintiff and defense attorneys and I apply my knowledge, training, and experience objectively regardless of which side retains me.
My focus is on the evidence and how decisions physicians made were reasonable based on what someone with similar skills and training would do under similar circumstances. This is one way to think about the “standard of care” without getting into legalese.
Hospital or practice policy may dictate that physicians may only be retained by defense counsel. Contracts may stipulate that a percentage of earnings from expert witness work is paid back to the employer. Physicians may be prohibited outright from serving as experts.