Our Experts
Alison Somek
MHM, DipCOT
Orthopaedics, General Medicine / Surgery
Introduction
I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1976 and have worked mainly in the field of Trauma and Orthopaedics, gaining most of my clinical experience at The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London and Stanmore. I have experience of all aspects of orthopaedics, including specialist areas such as bone tumour surgery and amputee rehabilitation, but I specialise in hands and upper limb injuries, particularly brachial plexus lesions, in both adults and children (including Erb's Palsy / Obstetric brachial plexus lesions).
I have been an expert witness since 1982, since when I have undertaken a considerable number of medico-legal assignments, on matters relating to care and rehabilitation needs, in cases involving orthopaedic, general medical or surgical conditions. I have given evidence in court on a number of occasions.
After 24 years in the National Health Service, I left in 2000 to concentrate on developing my business, Somek and Associates, which I set up in 1997 due to increasing and varying instructions.
I now head up this Medico-Legal Consultancy which provides over 90 expert health professionals in medico-legal litigation (including Occupational Therapists, Nurses and Physiotherapists). With my Senior expert colleagues, I supervise all experts and provide post-graduate training in the medico-legal processes including CPR, the role of the expert witness, report writing, experts meetings, and court procedure.
Clinically, I have continued to hold a small private caseload of orthopaedic clients with orthopaedic conditions / injuries.
Professional Affiliations
British Association of Occupational Therapists
College of Occupational Therapists Specialist Section - Independent Practice (COTSS-IP)
Expert Witness Institute
UK Register of Expert Witnesses
I am currently Chair of the Medico-Legal Forum of COTSS-IP.
I have acted as an alternate Council Member of The College of Occupational Therapists, and was also a member of the North Thames Region Occupational Therapy Advisory Group, having held the position of Chair on two occasions, and was a member of the North Thames Consortium leading on Occupational Therapy Education and Development.
Professional Education
Registration Number: HPC OT8084
1995 Masters in Health Management (with distinction)
1976 DipCOT