Marc H. Shomer, MD, PhD, QME is an active California Qualified Medical Evaluator, available for QME evaluations, as an Agreed Medical Evaluator when selected by the parties, and for independent medical examinations nationwide by arrangement.
| Role | What it is | Who selects the physician | Where it applies | Is it a credential? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QME | Qualified Medical Evaluator appointed by the California Division of Workers' Compensation to evaluate disputed workers' compensation injuries | Assigned from a state-issued panel; in represented cases each party strikes a name | California workers' compensation only | Yes, a state credential requiring a competency examination, qualifying education and periodic reappointment |
| AME | Agreed Medical Evaluator, a physician both sides agree to use instead of a panel QME | Both parties jointly, by stipulation in a specific case | Represented California workers' compensation cases | No, a role, not a certification. The weight comes from mutual selection, not from a separate qualification |
| IME | Independent Medical Examination by a physician not involved in the examinee's care | Requesting party, or the court, depending on the forum | Personal injury, disability, liability and insurance matters, nationwide | No, a type of examination, not a title |
| Expert witness | A retained physician who reviews evidence and offers opinions for litigation | The retaining party | Any jurisdiction, subject to that forum's expert-qualification rules | No, qualification is decided case by case by the court |
Dr. Shomer holds the QME credential, is available in the AME role when the parties select him, performs IMEs, and accepts retained expert-witness engagements. The distinction that most often causes confusion is the second row: AME is a role, not a qualification a physician can hold in advance.
The QME designation is a specific state credential issued by the California Division of Workers' Compensation, distinct from ordinary expert-witness qualification.
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Read more →Marc H. Shomer, MD, PhD, QME performs in-person ophthalmology independent medical examinations in Nevada, where he is a licensed physician, for personal injury, disability, and liability matters involving eye injury or vision loss.
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Read more →A QME is a physician appointed by the California Division of Workers' Compensation to evaluate disputed workers' compensation injuries, after passing a state competency examination. An AME is a physician both parties in a represented California workers' compensation case agree to use, a role, not a separate credential. An IME is the general term for an examination by a physician not involved in the examinee's care, used in personal injury, disability and liability matters nationwide.
Yes, he holds an active Qualified Medical Evaluator appointment and is available for QME panel evaluations of eye and vision claims, and to serve as an Agreed Medical Evaluator when the parties select him.
Diagnosis, causation, whether the condition is permanent and stationary, whole person impairment rated under the AMA Guides 5th Edition, apportionment under Labor Code sections 4663 and 4664, future medical care, and work restrictions, each supported by stated reasoning rather than bare conclusions.
Yes. Examinations are arranged by agreement, subject to availability and to the rules of the forum. Where an examination would not change the analysis, remote record review alone is often the more efficient course.
Last updated August 2, 2026
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