Helped Physicians Overcome Addictions and Other Impairments

MSDC created the Physician Health Program over 20 years ago to help physicians and medical students impaired by alcoholism, drug abuse, mental illness, psychosexual disorders, and/or aging.  Over the years, the program has helped hundreds of individuals get their lives back on track. The primary goal is to help physicians obtain treatment and get back to work.  The program, conducted by the Medical Society's Physician Health Committee, encourages confidential referrals about physicians with impairment problems.  When a concern is submitted, MSDC investigates discreetly, asks the physician to meet with the appropriate specialist for evaluation, recommends an appropriate treatment plan, and asks the physician to sign a five-year contract.

The Physician Health Program gained much-needed recognition in 2004 as the result of numerous news stories on physician impairment.  In 2004, the Program also received generous grants from George Washington University Hospital and Georgetown University.