Impaired Physicians: Role of the Occupational Psychiatrist

Abstract

<P>Until the early 1970s, physician impairment in the United States was not widely recognized by organized medicine as a serious concern. This changed with the publication in 1972 of a report by the American Medical Association Council on Mental Health, which focused on the “sick physician” who was impaired by substance use, age, psychiatric, or medical illness to the degree that he/she was unable to practice medicine with reasonable skill and safety. In an effort to advocate for its physicians, while also ensuring patient safety, most state licensing boards and medical societies in the United States responded by establishing physician health programs (PHP), which were dedicated to identifying, treating, and monitoring impaired physicians. The focus was on rehabilitation and physician advocacy.</P> <H4>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</H4> <P>Julia M. Reade, MD, is an Instructor in Psychiatry and a Licensed Staff Psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital.</P> <P>Address correspondence to: Julia M. Reade, MD; 321 Walnut Street, #423, Newtonville, MA 02460.</P> <P>The author disclosed no relevant financial relationship.</P>