Francisco v. Parchment Medical Clinic, PC

The question is whether the trial court reversibly disallowed expert testimony on the standard of care required of a surgeon treating breast cancer and fibrocystitis because the expert was unfamiliar with the practice in Kalamazoo or similar communities.

In June, 1974, plaintiffs Ethel and Merton Francisco filed a complaint alleging that defendant Parchment Medical Clinic was liable for damages because of breach of contract and medical malpractice. The activities complained of centered upon the actions of two of defendant’s doctors, general practitioner Hoekstra and general surgeon Hammer,…