"Malpractice" is the third episode of season 5 of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.
Dr. Mike treats a baby of a young couple of whom the father just happens to be a lawyer who had no faith in her as a female doctor. After the baby dies, the angry father slaps a malpractice suit on her that prevents Dr. Mike from practicing medicine, leaving the reluctant Dr. Cook in charge. But Dr. Mike's rebellious nature makes her act illegally to treat another baby who has the same symptoms. Dr. Mike is the one who finally finds the actual cause, resulting in a retraction.
This episode provides examples of:
- Armor-Piercing Question: While testifying as an expert witness in traditional Cheyenne medicine, Cloud Dancing mentions that sometimes the spirits won't listen to the treatments and prayers. When the opposing lawyer mentions that modern medicine is better, Cloud Dancing responds, "All your patients live?"
- Death of a Child: The death of a baby under Dr. Mike's care motivates the plot.
- One-Word Title: "Malpractice", of course.
