Purdue Global Law School student wins national writing competition

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — For Brett Bergman, the intersection of health care and the legal system isn’t just an academic interest — it’s a career evolution.

A practicing physician assistant, Bergman is now a third-year student at Purdue Global Law School, where his education, experience and combined passions of medicine and law helped Bergman win the American College of Legal Medicine’s (ACLM) Hirsh Student Writing Competition.

“As I identified a topic in health care law that I was interested in writing on, I discovered that there was a big void,” Bergman said.

Working under the guidance and support of Professor Scott Johnson in a health law independent study course allowed Bergman to develop his thesis.

Bergman’s paper — “The Evolution of Advanced Practice Providers: Addressing the Legal Lacuna – Who Has the Duty of Informed Consent?” — focuses on who has the legal duty to obtain informed consent and a review of how jurisdictions have evolved the doctrine over time, allowing the physician to delegate this duty to other qualified health care providers.

In addition to receiving a cash award, he presented his research at the ACLM National Conference in Phoenix on March 8.

“The conference was an incredible experience,” Bergman said. “I was surrounded by like-minded individuals who are passionate about the intersection of the law and medicine and felt right at home. I think there is tremendous value in students finding opportunities to present their work at conferences in their fields of interest. The presentation went great, and the feedback I received afterward was very positive.”

Why Purdue Global was the right fit

In high school, Bergman was split between studying premed and prelaw. While he ultimately pursued a career in medicine, he combined both interests by obtaining a degree in bioethics and participating in hospital ethics committees. Nearly two decades later, he decided the time was right to pivot from his career in health care as an administrator and physician assistant to pursue a law degree.

“I had multiple attorneys telling me that I should consider going to law school,” Bergman said. “Eventually I decided they were probably right. It was a long detour but totally worth it.”

Bergman, who currently resides in Orange County, California, with his wife and three children, chose Purdue Global Law School for its reputation and accessibility.

“Given the phase of our life with young children, in-person programs would be quite challenging to manage,” Bergman said. “The flexibility, affordability and reputation made Purdue Global Law School an easy choice.”

Bergman credits the specialized curriculum and the support from faculty at Purdue Global Law School for the journey from a legal concept to national recognition. Bergman utilized the health law course to refine his thesis under Johnson’s guidance.

“Writing competitions help students develop their legal research, writing and analysis skills, which are all essential skills in the legal profession,” Johnson said.

Johnson helped review and provide feedback for Bergman’s paper.

“I was thrilled. It is a great accomplishment and experience for Brett to attend the conference and present his paper,” Johnson said.

For Bergman, the win was a humbling moment of validation. “I was speechless. I still am.”

Momentum for future success

As he was able to represent Purdue Global on the national stage, Bergman hopes his success inspires other students to pursue niche interests.

“It has made me realize that there are plenty of opportunities for any student to publish in an area of law that interests them,” Bergman said. “You just have to put pen to paper and write it.”

Expected to graduate in August 2027, Bergman views winning the writing competition as a springboard to additional opportunities within health care. He credits the breadth of Purdue Global Law School electives — ranging from medical malpractice to health care risk management — with providing the specific tool kit he needs.

“This whole experience has been an incredible learning opportunity — one that will open many doors and allow me to network with practicing attorneys in the field and prepare me for the next stage of my career.”