Mock Deposition Training: Learning Through Heidi's Story
On July 31, 2026, Heidi Saint James partnered with HCA Healthcare for a unique educational event designed to strengthen the way healthcare professionals approach obstetric care, documentation, and legal testimony.
Hosted at Medical City Heart & Spine Hospital in Dallas, Texas, the Mock Deposition brought together labor and delivery nurses, nurse leaders, risk management professionals, and legal experts for an immersive learning experience that explored how medical records and clinical decisions are examined during litigation.
About the Event
The program was organized by HCA Healthcare as an advanced educational opportunity for nurses to better understand the legal process following an adverse patient outcome. Rather than focusing solely on courtroom procedures, the event emphasized how documentation, communication, and clinical decision-making directly impact both patient care and legal proceedings.
Participants reviewed fetal monitoring strips, analyzed medical records, and observed a realistic mock deposition to experience firsthand how every chart entry can be questioned years after an event occurs.
The Power of a Real Patient Story
Heidi's case involved a prolonged Category III fetal heart rate tracing, delayed intervention, delayed neonatal response, and documentation that later became central to understanding the events surrounding her birth. Because of these circumstances, her story provides an extraordinary educational opportunity for healthcare professionals to examine clinical decision-making, documentation, and compassionate care through the lens of a real patient case.
Heidi's Story
As a special guest, Jamie Strahl, founder of Heidi Saint James, shared the story of her daughter, Heidi Michelle Strahl, who died shortly after childbirth on May 4, 2024.
Heidi's case served as the foundation for the day's educational simulation. Using her medical records, with the names of individual healthcare providers removed, participants walked through the labor course, fetal heart tracings, nursing documentation, and clinical decision-making before witnessing a mock legal deposition based on the events surrounding her birth.
The goal was never to assign blame. Instead, Heidi's story became a powerful teaching tool that helped healthcare professionals better understand the lasting impact of documentation, communication, and compassionate care.
Why This Matters
Behind every medical record is a family whose lives have been forever changed.
By allowing Heidi's story to be used in this educational setting, Heidi Saint James hopes to help healthcare professionals recognize that timely interventions, accurate documentation, and compassionate communication have the power to shape not only medical outcomes, but also the memories families carry for the rest of their lives.
Education creates awareness. Awareness leads to better care. Better care changes lives.
Our Commitment to Healthcare Education
Healthcare education is one of the core pillars of Heidi Saint James.
We believe that supporting grieving families begins long before a keepsake box is given or a cooling device is used. It starts by equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge, resources, and perspective needed to provide exceptional care during one of the most difficult moments a family can experience.
We are honored to partner with hospitals, healthcare systems, and nursing leaders across the country to share Heidi's story and help improve bereavement care for future families.
Years may pass, but every note, every decision, and every interaction will remain with that family forever.
Interested in Hosting Heidi's Story for an Educational Session?
Every hospital has the opportunity to improve the experience of families facing pregnancy or infant loss.
Our educational sessions use Heidi's real medical journey to explore topics including:
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Fetal monitoring and clinical decision-making
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Documentation and legal implications
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Compassionate bereavement care
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Communication with grieving families
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Lessons learned through lived experience
Each presentation can be customized for your audience and may include keynote presentations, case reviews, mock depositions, panel discussions, or nursing education sessions.
To learn more about bringing Heidi's Story to your hospital or conference, contact Jamie@HeidiSaintJames.com
