Helping the Impaired Physician
A Program for Colleagues
By James Brodie

Physicians have ready access to a wide range of narcotic drugs and other controlled substances. Despite their professional training and knowledge of the problems associated with these drugs, physicians and other healthcare professionals are not immune to the risk of addiction. According to one estimate, as many as 17,000 U.S. physicians may have substance abuse problems at one time. Anesthesiologists and family physicians appear to be at particular risk; residents in emergency medicine, psychiatry and anesthesiology may also have higher than average rates of addiction. Substance abuse by physicians can destroy lives, families, and professional careers. Their errors can cause irreparable harm to their patients, and their colleagues and employers could be held jointly liable. Despite this grim picture, with early detection, intervention, and effective treatment, more than eighty percent of impaired physicians can recover. This provocative training program is designed to help colleagues and employers of impaired physicians (as well as impaired physicians themselves) to recognize substance abuse problems, and to take prompt and effective action. A Study Guide supplementing the video is available online. It was written by Brian Goldman, MD, FACEP, MCFP(EM), with consultant Kenneth A. Dickinson, MS, RPh, CEAP.

18 minutes
© 2003
Purchase $189 VHS
Order No. QA-396
ISBN (VHS) 1-57295-396-9

Reviews
"Issues related to pain management, substance abuse and drug diversion have become increasingly important within the health professions in the last decade. Each video emphasizes the importance of and the process for professional intervention for the impaired physician or pharmacist. Recommended."Educational Media Reviews Online

Awards & Conference Screenings
Gold Plaque, Chicago Intercom Competition

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To rent or purchase this film, please visit the Icarus Films website

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