| Physicians like other members of a community can suffer from multiple medical conditions. It is common for people to suffer from addiction and other psychiatric and medical conditions and in this case are referred to as dual diagnoses. Physicians with multiple medical conditions will often require assessment and follow up over time to determine the complex interplay of each condition with their overall functioning and with their practice of medicine. The physician with complex medical problems often requires monitoring tailored to their situation. If they suffer from substance abuse or dependence they will be required to participate in ongoing toxicology monitoring and other health monitoring will be individually determined. If the physician has been away from practice the College may require an independent assessment prior to return to work and will require reports from any treating physicians or therapists. The College may also impose practice restrictions based on the recommendation of assessors, treating professionals or to ensure safety of the public. Psychiatric Illness
Physicians are often late in seeking help for psychiatric illness and may present late in the course of their illness. In rare circumstances they may require urgent medical attention and may need to remove themselves temporarily from practice. As with any medical condition, early assessment and treatment benefits all involved and is encouraged. Physicians with psychiatric illness are generally able to return successfully to practice with appropriate support and monitoring. Affective disorder, psychotic illness, metabolic or traumatic (organic) psychoses and cognitive impairment can all cause significant disability if not actively diagnosed and treated. The psychiatrically ill physician may come to the attention of the College in the following ways: - Self report.
- Concerns expressed by colleagues, nurses or other health professionals.
- Concerns expressed by family and friends.
- Complaints or concerns expressed by the physician’s patients.
- Police or other authorities.
The following steps will be taken with the psychiatrically ill physician: - Assessment of fitness to practice.
- Review of reports from treating physicians, psychiatrists and therapists.
- Ongoing monitoring of the physician through their treating professionals.
- Ongoing monitoring through use of a practice monitor.
- Restrictions to practice to assist in maintaining the physician’s health and to address any patient care issues.
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