Missed problems and missed opportunities for addicted doctors

GPs’ attitudes on a healthy lifestyle: a survey of GPs in Flanders

“…Indeed, patients consider doctors as role models for a healthy lifestyle. 31 However, it has previously been reported that doctors have problems coping with their own physical and psychological weaknesses, 32 which may also prevent them from seeking help when they need it.…”

The specific needs of doctors with mental health problems: qualitative analysis of doctor-patients' experiences with the Practitioner Health Programme

“…Many worried about the stigma attached to being a mentally unwell doctor and feared breaches of confidentiality or jeopardy to their employment or professional reputation; similar findings have been reported elsewhere (Henderson et al, 2012;Stanton & Randal, 2011;Strang et al, 1998). There are specific expectations of the roles of both doctor and patient in medical consultations (Parsons, 1951) and it is understandable that doctors may feel disempowered by illness and find it difficult to accept the role of patient when these roles are blurred.…”

Addicted Doctors

“…12 What appears vitally important, and often sadly lacking, is a confidential, specialist (or dedicated for addicted doctors), and comprehensive assessment/treatment service that can address the multiple needs of the addicted doctor. We argue that addicted doctors are ''different'' and hence our call for them deserving more intellectual attention and specific resource allocation.…”