SERIES: Troubled Doctors: Addiction and Depression in Medicine

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
 

Summary:

A look at physican addiction and depression

Website:

http://www.kuow.org/newspecials/addiction.asp

Additional Credits and Funding:

Editor: Guy Nelson

Tones:

Dark, Disturbing, Real

Language:

English

Description:

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.