Sustaining the Psyche: Organizational Approaches to Working With Potentially Impaired Physicians

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2025

Publication Title

Psychiatric Annals

Abstract

Mental health continues to carry significant stigma, which can impede seeking treatment. While there has been progress in reducing stigma and an increase in seeking care, there continue to be barriers, especially among physicians. On one side, physicians fear that disclosing mental health concerns will place their license or job at risk, while on the other, there is a risk for public harm from impaired physicians. Health care organizations can be a major factor in addressing both. By establishing clear policies and procedures for assessing struggling physicians, organizations can help protect the public and ensure trust. Meanwhile, clear procedures for supporting physicians who seek treatment or who are seeking to return to work will support physician health. Finally, an emphasis on organizational wellness can help sustain physician wellness. This article serves as a primer for these concepts to prompt readers to review their organization’s approaches and discover opportunities for further development.

First Page

e67

Last Page

e74

Volume

55

Issue

3

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