The Impaired Medical Professional

The Impaired Medical Professional

Alcohol and drugs abuse, often categorized together as “substance abuse” and addiction, is a common problem in our society as a whole. It is prevalent among the general population and therefore it stands to reason that it would also be prevalent among various occupations within a population. Thus, all people and occupations are represented, including the health care worker.

We often think of our health care professionals, including doctors and nurses as being exemplary and above such “vices”. Although the exact figures are unknown, the medical profession suffers along with the general population in this area. In fact, the prevalence of chemical dependence for medical professionals may even exceed the public. The reasons for this may have to do with the stress of the job and the long hours worked, coupled with the relative easy access to “pharmaceutical grade” drugs, whose use do not carry the stigma of “street drugs”.

The ethical question arises when we are forced to consider what to do with such impaired medical professionals. Are such folks to be treated as common criminals that do not get a pass just because they are members of a “noble” profession? Or are they to be treated as a still valuable and “salvageable” resource, who with proper treatment can return to the medical field not only functional, but with a “unique perspective” that may serve their patients and co-workers. In order to properly answer those kinds of questions, one has to decide what chemical dependence is about. Are such chemically dependent people bad deserving censure and punishment, or are they sick needing treatment? Or is the situation even that black and white? The problem, is of course, complicated by the fact that mistakes made by a medical professional who is impaired, can cost the life of a patient and therefore, by necessity a lower tolerance is usually applied.

Fortunately, much precedent has been set in today’s work setting. There have been many impaired professionals who have been confronted with their addiction and forced (usually) or somehow coerced into treatment. Many, if not most, of these individuals have received the proper treatment and returned to the field of medicine to function productively. This return to work is almost always contingent upon joining a professional recovery organization that monitors the practitioner. Typically, meetings of the 12 step variety and random drug screens are mandatory for an extended period (usually five years), once return to work is allowed. The combination of follow up care and random drug screening has proved to cut down on the relapse rate. Therefore, with proper recognition and treatment, the impaired medical professional, who may have been scorned and summarily dismissed in earlier days, can be given a second chance. Thus, public safety is preserved and a very valuable resource in the form of a medical professional is salvaged.