Posted by Phoenix1 on December 21, 2007, at 9:43:43
In reply to Junkie docs, posted by Jamal Spelling on December 19, 2007, at 17:24:02
I agree with a lot of the responses to this. On the other hand, some of us have had substance abuse problems, and have felt strongly about the impact it would have on our jobs, and whether dismissal is appropriate for an employee with a substance abuse problem that is being treated.
A Doctor's judgment is affected by many things, aside from whatever drug they might be on. Mental illness/substance abuse should not be cause for revoking a Doctor's license. Perhaps their prescribing habits should be restricted or closely monitored, but we can't hold Doctor's to a higher standard than anyone else in my opinion. They are only human like we are, and feel the same pain and anguish that we do. They have the right to be treated for mental illness/pain and if it turns into a substance abuse problem, they have the right to be treated without being stigmatized. Just my 2 cents.
Phoenix
P.S. Read an interesting blog about a psychiatrist with BipolarII here:
http://trick-cyclingforbeginners.blogspot.com/
She's not a substance abuser, but it raises an interesting question. Are the mentally ill capable of treating the mentally ill? I believe that the answer is yes. And substance abuse in my mind is a mental illness.
> Is your pdoc a junkie? How about your anesthetist?
>
> http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22314486/
>
> I don't think these doctors should be allowed to practise while undergoing rehab. Who wants a crack head performing surgery on you?
>
> This link only runs in IE, because Microsoft cannot handle competition. Everybody boycott Microsoft!!!
poster:Phoenix1
thread:801618
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20071213/msgs/801915.html