Everything You Need To Know About A Physician Health Program

The Physician Health Program is an organization whose purpose is to provide non punitive, confidential treatment and help for physicians who are fighting personal addiction problems.

The Silent Struggle

A physician health program can be the answer for many physicians who are silently struggling with the demon of substance abuse. Physicians, often as not, deal with inordinate amounts of stress, along with long work days, incessant demands on their personal time and with few to no resources available to them to help them deal with these overwhelming professional issues. A Physician Health Program can be the answer for a physician who is often dealing with these issues alone.

So, What Is A Physician Health Program?

Typically, family or professional associates who suspect or know that a physician is suffering from substance abuse would initiate a private intervention with the doctor, find counseling for the physician on the help available, and advising him of his/her options. One satisfactory characteristic of dealing with a Physician Health Program is their non-punitive approach to total therapy within the realm of substance abuse. The physician would then undergo a preliminary assessment conducted by a trained and licensed professional to ascertain that there are indeed legitimate grounds for a referral to the Physician Health Program. After a positive initial assessment, the physician would be advised of available options, course of action required for recovery, and the ramifications of not following through with the program.

Confidentiality

It is understood that physicians have many many years and many thousands of dollars invested in their careers. It is also recognized that the physician desires to be a force for good and positively seeks the welfare of his/her patients. The physician will typically be relieved to hear that a typical Physician Health Program has no punitive authority over the physician, and in no way is affiliated with the State Licensing Board. S/he will be agreeable to undergoing a recovery plan outlined by the Physician Health Program, knowing that successful completion will be an important step in preserving the public safety and trust, while being allowed to maintain their state license and continue working. Strict confidentiality is the rule.

Treatment

Where necessary, the Physician Health Program may recommend termination of practice for the physician or an extended hiatus. Professionals in substance abuse and counseling would be available for each enrolled physician, at every step of the treatment process, to include preliminary assessment, the intervention, formal evaluation, long term monitoring, actual treatment and relapse prevention.

A Physician Health Program Helps Doctors Overcome Addiction, With The Confidentiality They Need. Don't Wait, Get The Help You Deserve: