| Pieces in Series | 3 |
| Licensor | KUOW |
| Producer(s) | Patricia Murphy |
| Formats | Debut (not aired nationally), Special |
| Topics | Health, News |
| Produced | April, 2008 |
| Added to PRX | May 2, 2008 |
A look at physican addiction and depression
http://www.kuow.org/newspecials/addiction.asp
Editor: Guy Nelson
English
Statistics show that healthcare workers become addicted and depressed at the same rates as the general population. However, the fiduciary responsibility that a practitioner has to patients is paramount. There is no leeway for impairment when it comes to patient safety. With this in mind, a non?profit called the Washington Physicians Health Program has a mission to help depressed, alcoholic and drug addicted healthcare workers get into treatment. The program will then monitor and endorse a physician's recovery for five years after treatment. Forty?eight states have similar programs, but with a 75% success rate Washington state is considered one of the best.
