Success of reentry into anesthesiology training programs by residents with a history of substance abuse

Article Abstract:

Traditionally, it was believed by anesthesiologists that medical residents with a history of drug addiction should not specialize in anesthesiology. If drug abuse was discovered in an anesthesiology resident, that individual was typically told to select another medical specialty. But since the early 1980s, when there were several reports that anesthesiologists had been successfully treated for drug addiction and had returned to their practices, the specialty has become more open to such attempts. In 1983, the American Society of Anesthesiologists reported that with adequate treatment and follow-up, there was a good chance for long-term recovery and return to practice, and that this approach should be encouraged in appropriate cases. This study was conducted to assess the rate of successful reentry into anesthesiology training programs by residents who had a history of drug abuse. Surveys were sent to the 159 anesthesiology training programs in the United States, and 113 (71 percent) responded. Of the respondents, 82 (73 percent) reported at least one case of substance abuse. Overall, there were 180 case reports of substance abuse, and in 26 the anesthesiology resident died as a result. There were 113 residents who reportedly reentered anesthesiology training following treatment. Of those who returned to training, 14 suffered a lethal overdose or later committed suicide. The success rate of reentry was analyzed according to the drugs used; 34 percent of parenteral (intravenous) opioid abusers and 70 percent of nonopioid abusers were successful. Since death was the first sign of relapse into drug abuse for 16 percent (13/79) of the parenteral opioid abusers, it is recommended that the most prudent approach in these cases may be rehabilitation and redirection into a different medical specialty. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Training, Residents (Medicine), Substance abuse treatment, Anesthesiology, Anesthesiologists, Physician impairment

---

Physician, cherish thyself: the hazards of self-prescribing

Article Abstract:

Physicians who prescribe drugs for themselves may have a higher risk of developing chemical dependency than those who do not. A research study examined the use of alcohol and drugs by physicians, and compared it to that in the general population. Physicians were five times more likely to take sedatives or tranquilizers without another doctor's supervision than the general population. Physicians who are substance abusers, including those who self-prescribe tranquilizers, may be more likely to harm themselves than their patients. Most physicians realize that self-treatment with sedatives and tranquilizers is not appropriate. These drugs are addictive, and conditions such as fatigue, pain or insomnia may be symptoms of a more serious, underlying condition. Physicians who are troubled may be more likely to self-prescribe these drugs than those who are happy. State medical societies should establish guidelines for self-prescription. Physicians should be tested for drug use, and hospitals should refer physicians with substance abuse problems for treatment.

Psychological aspects, Editorial, Self medication

---

Personal use of drug samples by physicians and office staff

Article Abstract:

Many of the physicians and staff of one Denver medical clinic use free drug samples for themselves or their family members. Many pharmaceutical companies provide free samples of drugs to physicians to promote their product. A survey of 53 physicians, residents and office staff at the clinic found that only 2 reported no use of free drug samples. A total of 230 drug samples had been taken at the time of the survey. This represents self-prescribing and has serious implications for the training of residents.

Drugs, Pharmaceutical industry, Marketing, Drug dispensing

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Beneficial effects of treatment of nicotine dependence during an inpatient substance abuse treatment program. Medications to treat alcohol dependence: adding to the continuum of care
• Abstracts: Fatal occupational injuries in the United States, 1980 through 1985. Occupational injuries among working adolescents in New York State

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.