In the 1960s, doctors counting the number of chromosomes in human white blood cells noticed a strange phenomenon. Frequently—and more frequently with age—the cells would be missing the Y chromosome. Over time, it became clear this came with consequences. Studies have linked loss of the Y chromosome in blood to cancer, heart disease, and other disorders.

Times have changed. A century ago, most physicians were challenged by a lack of medical knowledge or innovation in their practice of medicine. Today, we have too much new medical information. In fact, the pool of medical knowledge is expected to double every 73 days by 2020. Compare that with 1950, when it took about 50 years for medical knowledge to double. These days, many of the biggest challenges that physicians face involve technology, policy, and administration.

In most other human activities, there are two speeds, fast and slow. Usually, one dominates. Think firefighting versus bridge design. Health care spans from one extreme to the other. Think code blue versus diabetes care.

There are three words in the English language that doctors never want to hear, and they are: You’re being sued. Unfortunately, most doctors—regardless of specialty—will hear them at some point in their career. Knowing what to do when facing a malpractice suit, and perhaps more importantly, what not to do, will go a long way in ensuring things go your way in the courts.