Forensic Sleep Medicine Expert Witness
In addition to Dr. Penek's pulmonary and critical care practice, he has considerable expertise in the field of Sleep Medicine. The field of Sleep Medicine evolved from the world of pulmonary medicine in the early 1980's. During that time, Dr. Penek established the first outpatient sleep diagnostic services and co-founded the New Jersey Sleep Society, subsequently became president of that organization from 1997 to 2000 and remains on the NJSS Board.
In the last 30 years, Dr. Penek has evaluated a great many patients with a broad spectrum of sleep pathology. He is frequently called on to give opinions regarding standard of care issues in the field of medicine and review cases wherein sleep disorders have had legal implications. The recently coined term "Forensic Sleep Medicine" has been created to encompass cases wherein sleep disorders enter the courtroom in both civil and criminal litigation. The impact of sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia on driving ability and motor vehicle accidents are a particular field of interest. The group of sleep disorders known as parasomnias have significant legal implication. Disorders such as sexsomnia (sexual behavior during sleep) and REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out of dreaming behavior) may impact civil and criminal cases.
Since 1984, Dr. Penek has established and obtained accreditation by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine for a total of four sleep disorders centers in New Jersey and is currently medical director of the Sleep Health Institute at Chilton Hospital.