Nursing Expert Investigates Whether Sexual Encounter Was Consensual

ByWendy Ketner, M.D.

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Updated onMarch 28, 2019

This case involves a male university student who accused another male student of rape. The rape allegedly occurred at an off-campus house during the university’s Homecoming weekend. The defendant contended that the two had been involved in an ongoing relationship and that the encounter was consensual. After the encounter, the plaintiff went to the hospital and had a rape kit done, during which time, he was photographed. The photos immediately after the encounter indicated severe bruising on the plaintiff’s neck and face. An expert was sought to examine images of the bruises and opine on whether they were a result of rape or if they instead could have been the cause of a consensual sexual encounter.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

1. Please describe why you are qualified to serve as an expert reviewer for a sexual assault case.

Expert Witness Response E-009459

inline imageI have reviewed numerous sexual assault cases for both the defense and prosecution in both criminal and civil matters. I have testified on sexual assault cases to varying degrees about a dozen times, and am very familiar with cases similar to this one. I have 8 years of experience as a forensic nurse examiner where I examined hundreds of sexual assault victims. I hold a Ph.D. from a prestigious research university where I focused my study on the bruises and their appearance/healing.

About the author

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Wendy Ketner, M.D.

Dr. Wendy Ketner is a distinguished medical professional with a comprehensive background in surgery and medical research. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs at the Expert Institute, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's most important client relationships. Dr. Ketner's extensive surgical training was completed at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, where she gained hands-on experience in various general surgery procedures, including hernia repairs, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, mastectomies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction, surgical oncology, vascular surgery, and colorectal surgery. She also provided care in the surgical intensive care unit.

Her research interests have focused on post-mastectomy reconstruction and the surgical treatment of gastric cancer, including co-authoring a textbook chapter on the subject. Additionally, she has contributed to research on the percutaneous delivery of stem cells following myocardial infarction.

Dr. Ketner's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Yale University in Latin American Studies and a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from SUNY Downstate College of Medicine. Moreover, she is a member of the Board of Advisors for Opollo Technologies, a fintech healthcare AI company, contributing her medical expertise to enhance healthcare technology solutions. Her role at Expert Institute involves leveraging her medical knowledge to provide insights into legal cases, underscoring her unique blend of medical and legal acumen.

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