Health

What Are the Causes of Medical Malpractice?

Published

5 years ago

July 12, 2020

Did you know that medical mistakes are the third-highest cause of preventable deaths?

Physicians are responsible for the wellbeing of their patients and this involves giving them the best care possible. Unfortunately, the nature of healthcare makes the possibility of serious errors quite high.

Doctors are often overworked, which impacts their judgment and ability to function. In a constant high-pressure environment, it’s a lot for any person to manage and this results in mistakes.

While errors are understandable, negligent mistakes that cause serious injury or death are known as medical malpractice. When medical malpractice occurs, this opens up a physician to legal action should the victim or their family choose to sue.

Understanding medical malpractice begins with figuring out what causes it. We’ll look into this below to give you some insight into the problem.

Distraction

The first way a serious error can happen is through distraction.

Similar to how distraction can cause a car accident, doctors must always be focused on the patient at hand to give them the best treatment possible. Failing to do so means that they don’t have a full grasp of the situation.

In a doctor’s office, many things can result in distraction. Whether it’s a nurse popping in for an update, receiving a page, or something going on in their head, it’s easy to lose focus.

Despite this, physicians must do their best to give you their undivided attention. Much of what they have to work with is what you tell them, but also what you show them.

If a doctor is not carefully watching you, then they may lack the information needed for a proper diagnosis. Distractions make this likely, meaning that some medical malpractice cases can be linked to it.

Exhaustion

One of the leading causes of medical malpractice is exhaustion and general fatigue.

Because doctors are so overworked, they often end up pulling long shifts and this will physically tire any human being. It also affects their mental capacity, which leads to poor decision making.

Being fatigued is incredibly dangerous because it can be compared to being intoxicated. This level of mental and physical impairment is hazardous, especially when it’s affecting someone in charge of making medical decisions.

The problem here is that almost any doctor you find is likely fatigued. The number of skilled medical professionals pales in comparison to the total population and those that need assistance.

Considering this, errors caused by exhaustion are natural. That said, they are still considered medical malpractice. Doctors must manage their fatigue levels and avoid working if they cannot think straight, but it often isn’t simple to do.

Poor Mental State

A poor mental state can also lead to medical mistakes.

Exhaustion is one good example of an affected mental state. A tired doctor is likely to be grumpy, impatient, and disinterested, as is anyone who wants nothing more than to go to sleep.

Many more aspects of a doctor’s daily routine can also impact their mood and mindset. They may have personal distractions or be affected by an interaction with another patient. Being a physician is highly taxing and will surely take a toll on anyone.

This creates problems because a poor mental state affects a doctor’s ability to diagnose their patients. If they aren’t thinking clearly, they may not pursue something that should be looked into.

Alternatively, a physician may fail to listen to the patient. This can cause them to make assumptions and prescribe treatment that causes complications.

While having an affected mental state as a physician is understandable, it cannot impact how they treat their patients. When it does, it will be considered medical malpractice.

Lack of Experience

Medical malpractice can also originate from a lack of experience.

Becoming a doctor is a lengthy process entailing several years of education and hands-on experience. It is a long journey for anyone to take and many people do not finish.

Those that do become the physicians that treat you. Despite going through this process, there is simply so much information for a doctor to learn. There are thousands of different conditions and symptoms to be aware of.

It is inconceivable for any doctor to know everything. Especially if a physician is fairly new, like a resident, they won’t have enough experience to properly handle every situation.

Unfortunately, this lack of experience means that every doctor will make mistakes throughout their career as a result of their ignorance.

While a lack of knowledge is a bitter pill to swallow, a physician has the responsibility to learn as much as they can about their patient and their condition. They should consult with peers and other resources to find an appropriate treatment plan.

If an injury or death is caused by a lack of experience, it will be deemed as medical malpractice.

Inadequate Regulation

Lastly, inadequate regulations and oversight can also easily cause physicians to make mistakes.

Because many physicians are often overworked, this usually means that hospitals are understaffed. With this in mind, understaffed facilities cannot possibly have adequate oversight.

If every doctor is focused on their patients, who is overseeing them? While doctors do not need to be micromanaged, it helps to have regulations in place that prevent avoidable errors.

For example, an exhausted doctor may forget an important step in a routine procedure. If a policy was in place that each standard procedure had checklists that must be precisely followed, then a skipped step would never occur.

Many hospitals lack the resources to provide the necessary organization and regulation to ensure smooth operations. This trickles down to physicians and impairs their ability to effectively treat their patients and avoid mistakes.

While the structure of hospitals should be improved to prevent them, avoidable mistakes are medical malpractice.

Closing Thoughts

Doctors and medical professionals are some of the most important workers in the world. They keep us healthy and provide treatment when ailments and injuries occur.

These physicians are obligated to give their best effort to keep you safe. If they do not act in alignment with this, then their behavior can be determined as medical malpractice.

A few causes for medical malpractice include distraction, exhaustion, poor mental states, a lack of experience, and inadequate regulations and oversight.

Medical malpractice is shockingly easy considering the factors affecting a physician each day. With this in mind, understand that your physician is human and consider getting a second opinion for anything that doesn’t seem right.

Health

Finding Your Best Fit: Are GLP-1 Medications Right for Your Weight Loss Journey?

Published

4 hours ago

July 2, 2025

Michelle Langton

Over the past few years, a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists has been gaining attention, not only for treating type 2 diabetes but also in the field of weight management.

With obesity affecting “at least one in five adults (20%) in each U.S. state,” according to the CDC, many individuals are seeking effective solutions that can complement diet and exercise. Two of the most discussed options are GLP-1 injections for weight loss and GLP-1/GIP for weight loss, both of which have shown promising results.

However, deciding if these medications are right for you isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; it’s essential to determine if GLP-1s are right for you to get you to be your best self in 2025. SimpleFixRx — a healthcare service dedicated to personalized options — can help you explore GLP-1s therapy as part of your 2025 broader health plan.

Understanding GLP-1 receptor agonists

GLP-1 receptor agonists were initially designed to help regulate blood sugar in individuals with type 2 diabetes by mimicking a hormone that controls insulin secretion, slows digestion, and reduces appetite. The recent spotlight on GLP-1 injectors for weight loss and GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss stems from studies showing that these medications can help many people achieve significant, sustained weight loss — often in the 10-15 percent range or more of their body weight — when paired with healthier eating habits and increased physical activity.

Key benefits:

Enhanced blood sugar control: For individuals with type 2 diabetes, these medications can significantly lower hemoglobin A1C levels.

Appetite regulation: By slowing gastric emptying and impacting appetite signals, GLP-1s can help reduce unhealthy food cravings.

Possible cardiovascular benefits: Some research suggests that certain GLP-1s may offer heart-protective effects, reducing the risk of cardiac events.

Who can benefit from GLP-1?

GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as a promising option for individuals facing various metabolic and weight-related challenges. Whether you’re dealing with type 2 diabetes or seeking a meaningful way to jump-start weight loss, therapies like GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss and GLP-1 injections for weight loss could help bridge the gap where traditional diet and exercise might fall short.

Individuals with type 2 diabetes

GLP-1s remain a staple in controlling high blood sugar for patients who’ve struggled with traditional oral medications or lifestyle measures alone. If you have type 2 diabetes, speak with your healthcare provider to see if adding a GLP-1 might improve your overall management plan.

Those with obesity or weight-related health concerns

If your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above — or you’re overweight (BMI 25–29.9) and have additional complications like prediabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol — GLP-1s might be a strong consideration. The appetite-suppressing effects often help jump-start weight loss.

People seeking a catalyst for lifestyle changes

Even if you haven’t succeeded with traditional diets or exercise routines, medications such as GLP-1/ GIP for weight loss or GLP-1 injections for weight loss may help you regain momentum. Still, a commitment to long-term lifestyle improvements — such as more balanced eating and regular physical activity — is vital to achieving the best results.

Patients with hard-to-control metabolic factors

Some people face genetic or metabolic hurdles that make weight management exceptionally challenging. GLP-1s can help bridge that gap, providing extra support where willpower and standard lifestyle interventions might not suffice on their own.

By combining medical guidance, like that from the experts of SimpleFixRx, with regular follow-ups and a commitment to healthier habits, eligible patients may find these therapies to be a game-changer in achieving sustainable weight management and better overall health.

GLP Squared

Some compound pharmacies are now combining options for GLP medications, allowing for the microdosing of a combination of GLP and GLP1/GIP. Microdosing has numerous benefits for patients, including reduced nausea, a more steady release of medication, and decreased inflammation, among others. SimpleFix does offer GLP squared, and it is less expensive than GLP1/ GIP alone.

The SimpleFixRx approach

SimpleFixRx specializes in providing personalized healthcare solutions, including access to GLP-1 therapies, through a convenient, patient-centered platform. Their team of licensed healthcare providers works closely with patients to:

Assess eligibility: SimpleFixRx professionals review each patient’s medical history, lifestyle habits, and specific health goals to determine if GLP-1 therapy is appropriate.

Offer comprehensive care plans: Beyond prescribing medications, SimpleFixRx aims to create a holistic approach that includes nutritional guidance and exercise plans, ensuring GLP-1 therapy is supported by healthier daily habits.

Monitor progress: Through regular follow-up appointments, patients can collaborate with the SimpleFixRx team to fine-tune their regimen and address any side effects or emerging concerns.

Potential side effects and considerations

While GLP-1s offer noteworthy benefits, they aren’t free of potential drawbacks. The most frequently reported side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and, in some cases, vomiting — especially when first beginning treatment — but these often ease as your body adjusts. Other, more serious risks include pancreatitis or gallbladder issues, though these are generally less common.

Your medical history and personal goals should guide any decision to start GLP-1 therapy. Certain gastrointestinal or thyroid conditions, for instance, could make these medications less suitable. Women who are or might become pregnant also need specialized guidance, as safety data for pregnancy remains limited.

Making the decision with SimpleFixRx

Dr. Garrett H. Garner, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., a board-certified OB/GYN with over two decades of experience in North Texas, highlights the importance of individualized care. “We take the time to review each patient’s medical history, dietary habits, and long-term health objectives. Medications like GLP-1/ GIP or GLP-1 can be game-changers — but they work best within a broader strategy that includes nutrition, exercise, and regular follow-up.”

Before you opt for any GLP-1 medication, consider asking your healthcare provider or a service like SimpleFixRx these five questions:

“Am I a good candidate for GLP-1s based on my health profile?”
“How will this therapy interact with other treatments or conditions I have?”
“What lifestyle changes, if any, should I implement to maximize the benefits?”
“Which medication — GLP-1/ GIP vs. GLP-1 — would best suit my needs?”
“How often should I schedule follow-up appointments to assess progress and adjust my treatment plan?”

By partnering with a dedicated healthcare service like SimpleFixRx, you can gain access to expert guidance, personalized care plans, and ongoing support — all crucial components to long-term success.

These therapies are tools, not magic solutions, as sustainable progress often hinges on a combination of effective medication, mindful eating, regular physical activity, and consistent medical oversight. However, with the proper support structure and commitment, GLP-1 medications can be a transformative part of your journey toward better health.