Dr Malcolm Vandenburg
BSc MB BS FFPM FRCP
Consulting Pharmaceutical Physician
Dr Malcolm Vandenburg is a specialist in General and Pharmaceutical Medicine.
Dr Vandenburg offers a specialised medico legal expert witness service based on his expertise in therapeutics, pharmaceutical medicine, pharmacology, general medicine and psychiatry. He has a broad depth of experience in all of these areas which enables his opinion to be broad yet focused on the specific issues involved.
He developed a particular expertise in evaluating the adverse side effects of medication and their relevance to the clinical situation. He is also an expert in illegal drugs of abuse, addictive behaviours and the behavioural, physical and psychological changes consequent to their use.
Dr Vandenburg has given opinions to leading barristers and solicitors, as well as the Criminal Prosecution Service and police forces throughout England. He has also been instructed by the Police Federation, the UK Armed Forces and the Independent Police Complaints Commission. He has given opinions for, and appeared in criminal, civil and family matters.
In civil cases he has been involved in clinical negligence claims against general practitioners and hospital doctors regarding their prescribing of medicines, and against pharmacists for mis-dispensing drugs.
He has also been involved in industrial tribunals relating to the effects of industrial chemicals and substances on behaviour and physical and mental health.
Criminal matters have involved the behavioural effects of prescription medicines and illegal substances, particularly on their ability to inhibit the formation of specific intent and negate mens rea. These have included the usual psychoactive medications used for depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. He has also given opinions on their behavioural effects, their ability to precipitate and worsen aggression and violence and motor vehicle driving.
He has been involved in trials of doctors who allegedly criminally assaulted patients, who mis-prescribed to drug addicts, and who falsified prescriptions for their own use. The affects of all medicines and illegal substances on driving, including alcohol, is a particular strength, as are the various reasons for failing to provide samples.
Dr Vandenburg can act on behalf of either the claimant or the defendant or as a Single Joint Expert.
