Cytopathology Expert Witnesses

Dr. Yana Puckett, MD, MBA, MPH, MSc, FSSO, is a double board-certified Breast Surgical Oncologist specializing in the diagnosis and surgical management of breast cancer. Fellowship-trained in Complex General Surgical Oncology, she provides expert review of:

Dr. Puckett performs both breast cancer surgery and oncoplastic reconstruction, offering a unique dual perspective on surgical decision-making, technique, complication patterns, and causation. She evaluates adherence to national guidelines (NCCN, ASCO, SSO/ASTRO) and key trial data including Z0011, SOUND, and targeted axillary dissection principles.

Her expert services include medical record and imaging review, operative analysis, evaluation of diagnostic timelines, opinions on standard of care, written reports, affidavits, deposition testimony, and trial testimony. She also performs Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) for breast cancer–related disability questions.

Dr. Puckett is known for clear, concise, evidence-based opinions and strong communication with attorneys. She accepts select plaintiff and defense cases nationwide.

Paul J. Michaels, MD, is a nationally renowned Anatomical and Clinical Pathologist with over 20 years of experience in his field. Dr. Michaels completed his medical residency and earned a Fellowship in Cytopathology from Massachusetts General Hospital / Harvard Medical School.

Litigation Support - Dr. Michaels offers expert witness services to attorneys representing plaintiff and defense. He has written over 100 general causation reports focusing on pathology and providing an extensive differential diagnosis in order to provide an opinion with a reasonable degree of medical certainty. Dr. Michaels has participated in numerous MDLs, been deposed over 60 times, and testified in court 6 times.

Areas of Expertise:

Background Experience - Dr. Michaels is currently a member of a 10-pathologist group that operates the largest and most comprehensive anatomic pathology services laboratory within Central and Coastal Oregon. He is one of two pathologists responsible for covering Bay Area Hospital, the largest hospital on the Oregon Coast, which serves as a regional referral center.

Dr. Michaels' roles at Bay Area Hospital include: Chairman of Pathology; Member of the Hospital Medical Executive Committee; Medical Director for Transfusion Medicine, Hematology, and Cytopathology; Member of the Cancer Committee; and Member of the Trauma Committee.

At Southern Coos Hospital and Medical Center, Dr. Michaels serves as Laboratory Medical Director where his Anatomic Pathology responsibilities include frozen sections, gross evaluation and sign-out of complex surgical specimens, review of numerous outpatient biopsies, GYN and NON-GYN cytology, presentation at tumor board conferences, and performing hospital autopsies. Clinical pathology responsibilities include peripheral blood smear and body fluid review, crystal identification, and evaluation of blood transfusion reactions.

Speaking Engagements and Presentations - Dr. Michaels has delivered seminars and presentations in Canada, Japan, and throughout the United States. Topics have included cytopathology, breast cancer, acute cellular rejection, and many more.