Help for Addicted Anesthesiologists: Preserving Careers

Recent reports have shown that addicted anesthesiologists monitored by physician health programs have good outcomes and high success rates upon return to work. So why does there continue to be a negative attitude particularly toward addicted anesthesiologists?

Societal disdain for substance abuse finds no greater recipient for stigma than addicted physicians. Among physicians, anesthesiologists have received the brunt. Physicians hold a position of trust, necessary to their trade, and so it is understandable that betrayal of that trust would be met with incredulity. It also seems appropriate that fellow physicians would be among those most offended, perceiving a threat to the profession and the societal standing of the physician.

Among anesthesiologists, however, a combination of reaction formation and very poor research has amplified the hostile response to their fellows. The negative response among anesthesiologists regarding one of their own that develops a substance abuse or dependence problem is profound and disturbing.

The poor studies often cited to support a negative view toward outcomes for anesthesiologists are the survey studies of anesthesiology training programs (Meeks , Collins ). These survey studies amounted to opinion polls and by their nature emphasized the cases wherein outcomes were poor.

Other studies, less often cited, show excellent outcomes for anesthesiologists, even with return to anesthesiology (Pelton , Paris , Domino , McClellan ). It is our opinion at Professionals Treatment at Promises that most anesthesiologists can safely return to practice if safeguards are in place.

Professionals Treatment at Promises can conduct evaluations and/or treatment that can allow us to advocate for return to work. Call Dr. Skipper at (310) 633-4595 to discuss these programs or call our admissions team at (310) 390-2340 for other questions or to make arrangements for admission.