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James M Sonner, MD

Physician-Scientist and Professor Emeritus

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA35 years+ years experience
Pharmacology and Anesthesiology Drug Safety and Toxicology Expert Witness

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Professional Summary

James M Sonner, MD is a pharmacology and anesthesiology expert specializing in drug interactions, perioperative medication safety, and the identification of adverse drug reactions or toxic effects. With a career spanning chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical medicine, he brings a scientifically rigorous framework to litigation work involving complex pharmacological outcomes. His work centers on investigating drug interactions, assessing perioperative medication safety, and evaluating whether adverse drug reactions have occurred.

Dr. Sonner has been retained in numerous expert witness and consulting engagements across the United States, involving cases related to pharmacology of the nervous system and anesthesiology. His Doctor of Medicine from Harvard Medical School, along with certifications from the American Board of Anesthesiology and the Drug Enforcement Administration, reinforce his ability to deliver objective, defensible analyses. He is regularly engaged by both plaintiff and defense counsel to provide clear, independent determinations of causation in disputes involving drug interactions and toxicology.

Work Experience

James M Sonner, MD, has been a Professor Emeritus in Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) since 2016, following a 24-year tenure as a faculty member in the same department. He is also a CoFounder at Knowledge Pharmaceuticals Inc and has held positions as an anesthesiologist at multiple Cedars-Sinai locations.

Expert Intelligence

AI-Generated AnalysisBased on public information

Best Descriptor

James M Sonner is a specialist anesthesiologist with extensive experience in perioperative care and pharmacology.

Best Use Cases

  • 1anesthesia-related malpractice cases
  • 2perioperative medication safety assessments
  • 3drug interaction evaluations in surgical settings

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Education

  • Doctor of Medicine

    Harvard Medical School · 1988

  • Master’s Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

    Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences · 1986

  • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

    Harvey Mudd College · 1981

  • Chemistry, one year as an undergraduate

    University of Oxford · 1980

Licenses

  • California State Medical Board LicenseCalifornia State Medical Board (CA)
  • American Board of AnesthesiologyAmerican Board of Anesthesiology
  • American Board of Anesthesiology, Maintenance of CertificationAmerican Board of Anesthesiology
  • Drug Enforcement Administration certificateDrug Enforcement Administration
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support
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