Health / Public Health Consultants: 20

Tracy L. Skaer, PharmD, FASHP, FASCP is a Professor Emeritus of Pharmacotherapy with over 30 years of pharmaceutical experience. Dr. Skaer's research and professional experience include pharmacy practice, chronic pain, mental health, substance abuse, and complementary and alternative medicine. She is licensed pharmacist in California, Idaho, and Washington.

Dr. Skaer’s current research involves the use of mindfulness and multiple family group problem solving for the Treatment of Chronic Pain in those with high risk of Opioid Use. Her plans are to expand this intervention to manage chronic insomnia and post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents, American Indians, veterans, and other populations. Other research interests include chronic pain, comorbid mental illness in chronic disease, depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, mindfulness, complementary and alternative medicine, and pharamcoeconomics and pharmacoepidemiology. Her research has been supported by over $3.2 million in grants from foundations and pharmaceutical industry.

Dr. Skaer has published 110 professional abstracts, 82 research papers, 43 review articles, and 6 book chapters. She serves on the editorial boards of 3 medical professional journals, Clinical Therapeutics, Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders, and Pain Studies and Treatment. Dr. Skaer's publications have appeared in numerous journals including, Drugs, Clinical Drug Investigation, PharmacoEconomics, Journal of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, American Journal of Medicine, Harvard Review of Psychiatry, and the New England Journal of Medicine among others.

View Dr. Skaer's Expert Witness Profile.

Stephen M. Raffle, M.D. is double Board-Certified in Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Raffle has over 49 years as a clinical and forensic psychiatrist offering his expert opinion in Federal and State jurisdictions nationwide. In addition to serving as an expert witness, Dr. Raffle consults to attorneys, judges, insurers, and to employers regarding Fitness for Duty and Risk of Violence (Threat) Assessment:

• 5000+ psychiatric assessments
• Expert testimony in 700 depositions and trials
• Successful clinical practice

The job of an expert witness is to educate a jury, judge, attorney, and trier of fact about the forensic psychiatrist's conclusions and how those opinions were derived in a manner well-reasoned, skillful, and easily understood by every person, not only another forensic psychiatrist. In short, an educator. Dr. Raffle’s experience as an educator extends well beyond a forensic venue, yet underpins the key to his ability to explain his opinions.

• Prof. of Psychiatry, UCSF Medical School, 20 years
• U.C. Hastings College of the Law postgraduate course "Trial and Appellate Advocacy" instructing seasoned attorneys about the direct and cross-examination of expert witnesses, with special focus on mental health experts and licensed medical professionals, Psychiatrists (MDs), Psychologists (LCSWs / MFTs), and physicians in other medical specialties, 11 years

Stephen M. Raffle, M.D. & Associates' expertise is well-established in forensic assessment in the areas of:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Dementia and Competency
• Testamentary Capacity
• Undue Influence
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Malingering
• Emotional Distress: Intentional & Unintentional infliction
• Emotional Distress: Forensic Evaluation to render medical-legal opinion
• Diagnosis and Need for Treatment
• Fitness For Duty
• Risk/Threat Workplace Violence Assessment
• Wrongful Termination
• Discrimination (ADA, Title VII, EEOC)
• Harassment
• Employment Litigation
• Medical Malpractice
• Catastrophic Injury
• Temporary and Permanent Disability
• Medical Records Review
• Assist in Preparation for Direct and Cross-examination of Expert Witnesses and Deposition of expert witnesses

Licensed in California.

SPORTFIT LAB is the premier Triathlon shop and performance center in Northern Virginia, providing a full range of training services and products to suit any athlete, whether you are a triathlete, runner, bicyclist, or swimmer. With more than 40 years of experience, they offer a level of personal attention and expertise unmatched in the region.

SPORTFIT LAB uses scientific fitness assessments to develop personalized training programs that meet individual needs. They teach techniques for training and racing, and monitor progress whether training for a first race, or a 10th Ironman event. They understand busy lifestyles, and tailor each program to fit around preferred training schedules, work schedules, and family schedules.

Testing and Coaching Services:

Douglas Baumgarten, M.S., Principal at SPORTFIT LAB offers consulting services related to Fitness, Health Clubs, Exercise Equipment, Personal Training and Sports. Mr. Baumgarten is a graduate of Harvard University and California University of Penna. (M.S. Exercise Science). He is a certified Health / Fitness Director (Amer. Coll. of Sports Medicine), Performance Enhancement Specialist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Bike Fitter, cycling coach, and baseball/softball official. 

Mr. Baumgarten has over 40 years in the fitness industry, as personal trainer, manager, consultant, equipment dealer, President of a large fitness company, and owner of SportFit Consulting. He has contributed to Fitness Management magazine, Boardroom magazine, Club Management magazine, and other publications.

View Douglas Baumgarten's Expert Witness Profile.

Ray S. Kim, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist focused on providing individual, couples, and family therapy, as well as Forensic Evaluations for adults and juveniles. Areas of Consultation:

Dr. Kim is currently the Director of Chicago Metropolitan Forensic Services at the Illinois Department of Human Services where he supervises a team of clinical psychologists and social workers who evaluate the placement of individuals into forensic facilities. He also serves as the Director of Clinical Training at Chicago Metropolitan Forensic Services where he developed and supervises a forensic practicum program which provides opportunities for specialized clinical training in the area of forensic psychology. 

Dr. Kim was one of the first psychologists trained by the Illinois Department of Human Services to evaluate sex offenders for sexual dangerousness under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act. He is also among the first to be certified as a Licensed Sex Offender Evaluator and Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider in Illinois. 

Certifications - Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Board Certified Forensic Psychologist, Licensed Sex Offender Evaluator, Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider, Board Registered Mental Illness/Substance Abuse Provider, Fellow of the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute, Fellow of the American College of Advanced Practice Psychologists, Diplomate of the American Psychotherapy Association, Diplomate of the American Board of Psychological Specialties, National Register of Health Service Psychologists. www.experts.com

View Dr. Kim's Expert Witness Profile.

Dr. Patricia J. Bartzak, DNP, RN, CMSRN is a doctorally prepared Registered Nurse, with active nursing licenses in both Massachusetts and California.  Dr. Bartzak provides direct patient care in the hospital setting.  In addition to nursing research and education positions. Dr. Bartzak demonstrates both a wide and deep involvement in the nursing field. Her clinical practice provides the relevance, skill set, and understanding of what’s needed to create an environment that finds the evidence to optimize patient outcomes and leads the next generation of nurses. Dr. Bartzak utilizes peer-reviewed journal databases and meticulously references her sources and synthesizes information on complex nursing and health-related subjects. Currently working in a hospital designated as level 1 trauma center. 

Dr. Bartzak has completed the Intensive Course on Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) at the Fuld Institute at Ohio State University (2019) and is co-leading the adoption of EBP for a national organization. Dr. Bartzak has demonstrated skill in data mining and concept simplification to provide background and context for complex healthcare matters. Dr. Bartzak has worked in both union and non-union environments, and has the background and experience to consult with hospital leadership to engage and strengthen nurse’s investment in the workplace. Dr. Bartzak has written policies and procedures so she can assist other organizations in policy review and recommendations to ensure broad coverage, while also maintaining a risk management balance. Dr. Bartzak is versed in core measures and patient safety initiatives, and can provide an independent evaluation of practice issues and outcomes.

Finally, Dr. Bartzak has taught at all levels in nursing education from associate to doctoral, and can provide recommendations related to student progress in the academic area, and issues related to new graduate nurses transitioning into practice.

View Dr. Bartzak's Expert Witness Profile.

Michael Levittan, Ph.D. is an Expert Witness, Psychotherapist, Media Consultant, and Lecturer at UCLA Extension and California Graduate Institute. Dr. Levittan works as an expert witness on cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, post-traumatic stress, anger issues, child custody, school violence. He is director of a certified Domestic Violence/Anger Management program and has numerous articles published on violence and abuse.

Dr. Levittan presents at UCLA, National Alliance on Mental Illness, L.A. Superior Court, U.S. Marines, Hillsides Children's Home, Loyola Marymount Univ, International Conference on Violence, Abuse, Trauma, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, Grief & Loss Conference, The Maple Center, Womens Shelters.

Dr. Levittan's website: www.michaellevittan.com.

Jeffrey A. Sugar, MD has been a practicing Psychiatrist for over 25 years. Board certified both in Child and General Psychiatry, Dr. Sugar is the Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Trauma Program at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles, CA.

Dr. Sugar is Attending Psychiatrist in both Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Adult Psychiatry Outpatient Clinics at USC. He teaches child and general psychiatrists-in-training and medical students on topics ranging from Trauma, Adversity, and Dissociation to Psychotherapy theory and methods.

Dr. Sugar was the founding director of the Hathaway Children’s Clinical Research Institute where he performed funded research on the effects of interpersonal child trauma. Dr. Sugar has presented at national and international meetings on child and adolescent Trauma and Dissociation.

Consulting Services Include:

• Effects of Trauma and Adversity on Child Development
• Chronic Physical, Sexual or Emotional Abuse
• Psychological Trauma in the Workplace
• Date Rape / Internet Seduction
• Post-Traumatic Loss, Grief and Depression
• Psychological Effects of Injury to the Body or Brain
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Professional Organizations:

View Dr. Sugar's Expert Witness Profile.

Healthways Services, is a small international telehealth clinical practice offering a wide range of biopsychosocial services designed to help individuals achieve exceptional global health outcomes. This is accomplished through the innovative program, "Project S.T.O.P. (Self Taking On Prevention)."

Dr. Christopher A. Lowery, DHSc, CLCP, is a Clinical Health & Rehabilitation Consultant and board-certified Life Care Planner. He provides international telehealth services in medical life care planning, clinical health counseling, assessments and evaluations, employment/career counseling, pre-surgical consultation, and biopsychosocial health promotion and prevention. He specializes in developing treatments and creating targeted plans for clinical behavioral health disorders (e.g., anxiety, employment, depression, substance use, etc.), medical conditions (e.g., chronic pain, burns, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), and health behavior changes (e.g., weight management, occupational health prevention, preventative nutrition, disparities, physical activity, accident prevention, etc.). 

Counseling services provided are:

He currently holds the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in rehabilitation studies from University of North Texas (07), Master of Arts in human and health administration services from University of Oklahoma (10), Post-Specialty Certificate in life care planning from Capital University Law School (12), Post-Master's Certificate in rehabilitation counseling from University of Arkansas at Little Rock (14), and Doctor of Health Science in global health from Nova Southeastern University (16).  

Dr. Lowery holds a board certification in life care planning as a Certified Life Care Planner (CLCP) from the International Commission on Health Care Certification (ICHCC), which is accredited and recognized by the American National Standards Institute National Accreditation Board (ANAB). This prestigious certification attests to his qualifications and competence in the healthcare delivery systems. ANAB’s accreditation ensures that the certification process meets rigorous international standards, confirming his aptitude and expertise for his role as a practitioner.

**If you have a case needing Dr. Lowery's expertise, please feel free to call his office for a free consultation.

View Christopher Lowery's Expert Witness Profile.

Gloria Kardong, MD, DLFAPA, DABPN is a Board Certified Psychiatrist with specialties in Psychotherapy and Psychomarmacology. He practice includes General, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatry as well as Forensic Psychiatry. Dr. Kardong has a broad experience using a verity of different treatment modalities. She offers individualized care based on the client's specific problems, concerns and preferences. In full time private practice in Palo Alto, CA for the past 25 years, Dr. Kardong is a Psychiatric Consultant for Stanford University Schools of Law and Medicine, the California Medical Board, and private attorneys nationwide. She is an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University Medical Center and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. Dr. Kardong has been named a Top Doctor in Silicon Valley by San Jose Magazine for over a decade. Specialty Areas Include:

• OB-GYN and psychiatry - Pregnancy and post partum-related psychiatric problems; infertility; gynecology; menopause / hormonal issues; PTSD / childhood sexual abuse / adult consequences and relationship / sexuality issues
• Impaired Professionals - Physicians, nurses, mental health care providers, attorneys executives and other professionals and professional organizations

View Dr. kardong's Expert Witness Profile.

I am a board-certified emergency medicine physician. I have been called upon to express opinions in the areas of medical malpractice, personal injury, negligence, standard of care, and causation. I am involved in both plaintiff and defense cases, and expert witness work accounts for less than 10% of my total income. 

My qualifications include: 

• Award-winning emergency physician in active practice with 30 years clinical experience
• Associate Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at University of California San Francisco School of Medicine (volunteer)
• Current VP of company that staffs 500 emergency departments, overseeing more than 5000 ER providers in risk management and quality assurance issues 
• Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP) 
• Past President of the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians 
• Medical Director of California Highway Patrol 
• Extensive publication and speaking experience in the area of emergency medicine

Dr. Ewen Todd is a Food Safety Expert with over 45 years of experience in the reporting and surveillance of Foodborne Disease, as well as development of analytical methods for identifying foodborne pathogens. As a result of his knowledge of foodborne disease and work researching different pathogens and toxins, Dr. Todd has influenced research programs and regulatory approaches taken by the Health Protection Branch of Health Canada. In the US, he held the position of Director of the National Food Safety and Toxicology Center and the Food Safety Policy Center at Michigan State University.

A leader in microbial research, foodborne disease surveillance, costing of outbreaks, food safety policy, seafood toxins, standard-setting, risk assessment, risk management and risk communication, his presentations and food safety programs have been influential in many countries including China, Cambodia, Japan, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Europe, as well as Canada, and the USA. Dr. Todd has delivered over 400 presentations and posters at national and international meetings, with over 200 invitations to speak and teach workshops.

An acclaimed author in the field of Foodborne Illness, he has written 109 research papers, 16 reviews, 36 book chapters and booklets, 40 departmental publications, 37 conference proceedings, 9 laboratory methods, 56 investigational and editorial articles, 90 published abstracts, and 3 editings of proceedings or books. Dr. Todd has received 20 appointments and awards, including the Excellence in Science Award for 1998, the first to be awarded by Health Canada. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Association for Food Protection and MSU University Outreach and Engagement as well as Editor in Chief for the Elsevier Encyclopaedia of Food Safety.

Dr. Todd's Consulting services are available to businesses and governments internationally. He responds to telephone calls, emails, and written requests for information on food and waterborne disease.

Consulting Services Include

• General Food Safety and Spoilage Issues
• HACCP and GHP Systems
• Standards for Poultry
• Listeria Monocytogenes in Soft Cheeses
• Standards for Poultry
• Seafood Toxins
• Food Workers
• Investigation of Foodborne and Waterborne Illnesses
• Foodborne Disease Surveillance Systems
• Risk Assessment, Risk Management and Risk Governance
• Safety of Aquaculture Systems
• Norovirus in Elder Care and Other Facilities
• Salmonella and Shigella in Schools and Child Care Centers
• Salmonella in Tahini and Other Oil-based Foods
• Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Leafy Greens
• Staphylococcus aureus in Cheese, Clostridium botulinum in Canned or Preserved Food and Native American / Inuit Fermented Food
• Listeria monocytogenes in Deli Meats and Soft Cheeses
• Controlling Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-to-eat Foods
• Hydrophobic Grid Membrane Filter Systems

View Expert Witness Profile.

Dr. Robert Evans, PhD,  is a Licensed School Psychologist with over 30 years of experience in the behavioral sciences, including completing over 100 Child Custody Evaluations. Dr. Evans serves as a consultant to the medical, legal, and law enforcement community in Florida on Psychological and Educational matters. He consulted with Orange County Public Defender with cases involving arrest and incarceration of children. He has also provided Critical Incident Stress Debriefings to victims of crime in the Central Florida area. 

Litigation Support - Dr. Evans specializes in Parental Alienation cases which are commonly among those classified as High Conflict Divorce cases and he has written a book on Parental Alienation. He provides litigation support to counsel for both Plaintiff and Defense. His services include support with hearing / trial preparations, review of current evaluations, and support during and after the litigation process. 

Dr. Evans has given sworn testimony as a Forensic Psychology expert witness in NY, IA, IL, PA, GA, FL ID, CO, OH, TX, TN, LA, MA, MD, MO, NC, SC, WA, and OR. 

Areas of Expertise:

• Parental Alienation
• Child Custody Evaluations
• False Allegations of Abuse
• Treatment Considerations for Alienated Children
• Workplace Violence

Linnda Durre', Ph.D., Licensed Psychotherapist, (FL License #MH6058) is an expert witness, psychotherapist, family counselor, intern supervisor, international speaker, corporate trainer, author, business consultant, adjunct college professor, and a magazine, Internet, and newspaper columnist. Her four areas of court expertise are Family Law, Personal Injury Law, Employment Law, and Criminal Law. 

Litigation Support: With over 48 years of experience, she consults to attorneys and has been qualified as an expert witness in eleven (11) states - Florida. Alabama, California, Arkansas, Georgia, Connecticut, Washington, Ohio, Tennessee, and Iowa - in the areas of Personal Injury, PTSD, Family and Couples Counseling, Divorce, Child Custody, Relocation, Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Abuse by Psychotherapists, as well as Age, Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation Discrimination. Her 400-page doctoral dissertation and research in the latter area was cited to pass legislation in several states. 

Dr. Durre' has hosted and produced four radio shows, two of which were call-in advice shows - "The Dr. Linnda Durre' Show" on WDBO in Orlando (a Cox station) and "Let's Talk with Dr. Linnda Durre' on an NPR station in New York, and two radio interview shows. Her last show was a daily hour-long podcast, entitled, "Linnda Durre' Interviews" Dr. Linnda Durre' has hosted and produced two call-in advice TV shows, including being selected in a national search of 200 applicants, to host, "Ask The Family Therapist," on America's Health Network (AHN), which was associated with Mayo Clinic and each show aired daily for two hours from Universal Studios Orlando. She was vetted by Mayo Clinic and America's Health Network.

She has appeared on Oprah, 60 Minutes, O'Reilly (twice), Today Show, Good Morning America, Canada AM, Daytime, Donahue (twice), Sally Jessy Raphael, People Are Talking, Home Show, Hour Magazine, Home and Family Show, Disney Channel, and the local and/or national news on NPR, PBS, CBS, ABC, NBC, CW, and Fox.

Dr. Durre' has been interviewed, cited, and/or quoted by the NY Times, LA Times, Forbes, WSJ, IBD, Business Week, SF Chronicle & Examiner, Toronto Globe & Mail, Albany Times Union, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Orlando Business Journal, Orlando Sentinel, Parade Magazine, Alternative Medicine Magazine, CNN Online, Washington Parent Magazine, Screen Actor Magazine, Florida Magazine, Pasadena Star News, Orlando Magazine, Women's Health Magazine, and others.

View Linnda Durre's Expert Witness Profile.