Thousands Of Doctors Secretly In Rehab While Practicing

[TeleNurse2010]

http://www.ksdk.com/news/health/health_article.aspx?storyid=137040

"Troubling cases in which doctors were accused of botching operations while undergoing treatment for drugs or alcohol have led to criticism of rehab programs that allow thousands U.S. physicians to keep their addictions hidden from their patients."

[TiredMD]

I believe you. There are things that are happening out there even though society thinks that healthcare professionals are up on the pedestal. One thing for sure though, if a peer is out to get someone, he or she will stir things up just to get that using person in trouble regardless if the user uses drugs away from work and does not affect the job.

Because of the nature of physician's work, we must be held to a far higher standard than other health care professionals. Our responsibility to patients extends well beyond normal business hours, and any indication of a substance abuse problem (ie - getting a DUI) warrants immediate investigation and intervention by the board. Our work never ends, and everything we do affects the job.

[woody62, RN]

Because of the nature of physician's work, we must be held to a far higher standard than other health care professionals. Our responsibility to patients extends well beyond normal business hours, and any indication of a substance abuse problem (ie - getting a DUI) warrants immediate investigation and intervention by the board. Our work never ends, and everything we do affects the job.

You are correct doctor, you are held to a higher standard. But because you are physicians, you are frequently given repeated passes by your peers. Few doctors are willing to confront a peer about his drinking or drugging. And unlike nurses, you are not held under the same microscope that we are. And what makes you think that you are held to a standard of being responsible all the time and nurses are not. We are held to a high standard. But unlike you, by the late 80's, we accepted that our profession had a problem. And we addressed it. DON's no longer quietly fired impaired nurses. And unlike yourselves, we do not have access to prescription pads, on which to write legal prescriptions. We have to steal our drugs from our employers and our patients, if we are addicted to prescription medications. If not and we are addicted to street drugs, then we have a better chances at hiding our addiction, until it plays a role in our patient's care.

Please doctor, you and your peers get passes until you become so bad that your malpractice insurance rises to an area even you can no longer afford. And your addictions impact so much on your patients, that someone finally takes notice. I have never stolden from my patients. And I have never drank to the point I was no longer responsible but I do know physicians who have, who have gotten free passes from their peers.

Woody:balloons:

[woody62, RN]

In fact doctor, I know a physician, who I turned into the Florida Department of Professional Regulation for prescribing drugs, turning some of her and my clients into addicts. I went so far as to prepare to testify at a hearing stripping her of her license. The day before the hearing, I received a telephone call from the state attorney telling me I would not have to appear. The hearing was off. She had worked out a plea dealing. She went to work for the Florida Correctional System and surrendered her DEA number for three years, the length of her contract with the Correctional Department. Funny thing, as a physician in part of that system, they very infrequently prescribe narcotics. So she really didn't suffer, did she? Am I angry? Yes, you can bet your sweet bibbie I am. She destroyed several peoples lives with her over prescribing. And she never paid the price. Thanks to her smart attorney and her peers.

So please do not ask me to feel sorry for your peers. They get a way with a great deal. Your peers are too afraid to call them. And your state BOM's are too afraid to discipline them.

Woody:balloons: