Dr. Shawn Zardouz is a double board-certified specialist in Pain Medicine and Neurology, and the only physician in Newport Beach with this distinction. He holds a B.A. in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and earned his M.D. from Wayne State University, graduating with honors in biomedical research. His postgraduate training includes an award-winning internship at Loma Linda University Medical Center, a neurology residency at UC San Diego, and a prestigious pain medicine fellowship at UCSD—recognized as the nation’s top program. As a Qualified Medical Examiner, Dr. Zardouz is an expert in treating traumatic brain injuries, chronic pain, CRPS, whiplash, post-concussion syndrome, and various neuropathies.

In this episode:

What makes a great expert witness on the very first call? We sit down with Dr. Shawn Zardouz, a double board-certified neurologist and pain management specialist, to break down the real work behind credible testimony: vetting case fit, demanding complete records, and staying fiercely objective from start to finish. If you’ve ever wondered how an expert prepares for hours of cross-examination or translates brain science into language a jury can trust, this conversation delivers a candid, practical roadmap.

The field is moving fast, and so is the role of the expert. Dr. Zardouz explains how emerging tools like diffusion tensor imaging and potential biomarkers are shaping TBI claims, and how neuromodulation is changing pain management beyond steroid injections. We also talk about collaborating with broader trial teams—neuropsychologists, accident reconstruction experts, and vocational specialists—to build consistent, defensible opinions. Throughout, we highlight practical steps attorneys can take to set experts up for success: provide complete records early, allot time for real review, and keep communication clear and respectful.

If you care about strong expert strategy, objective opinions, and medical testimony that jurors can follow, you’ll find a wealth of actionable insight here. Subscribe for more conversations with top experts, share this episode with a colleague who handles injury or TBI cases, and leave a review to tell us what you want to hear next.