Physicians in Training
How would I recognize a substance use disorder in myself or a colleague?
This is a difficult question to answer without writing a lengthy essay. If you are concerned about yourself, a colleague or a family member, we would encourage you to contact the program for individual advice.
Some general points are worthy mentioning however:
How can we find help locally when all the professionals in our town are social acquaintances?
Over the years the program has received calls from all over the province. Hence, professionals have been identified in many parts of British Columbia. If you are willing to travel a little, we can probably identify someone who can meet your needs within or outside of your region.
Speak to program staff for details, and, if appropriate, we will assist in referral.
What happens if my problems are mostly related to my emotional/mental health?
The majority of calls to the PHP helpline over the last several years have related to issues that fall into the category of emotional or mental health issues. Callers seeking assistance with anxiety, depression, burnout, relationship issues, family problems, financial/practice problems are very common.
The program has been fortunate over the years to accumulate the names of several professionals who have developed experience and skills in dealing with physicians and medical families. Program staff will support and arrange discrete referral for you if appropriate.
Is alcoholism curable?
Alcoholism, like all addictive illnesses is chronic, progressive, and often fatal if left untreated. Just like diabetes mellitus or asthma, addiction does not have a course of medication that produces an instant or permanent cure.
There are however, many effective treatments available that can help the addicted individual return to a healthy lifestyle, free of addiction and to rebuild their life.
I'm so afraid to talk to anyone about my problem. Can I talk to the Physician Health Program privately?
The program staff appreciates how difficult it is for physicians to ask for assistance. We have tried to create a program whereby those who contact us can feel comfortable sharing their concerns. The goal is to provide a safe environment where callers can talk to a program physician about the demands and stresses in their lives and/or practices.
Your privacy is respected and you can speak with a program physician even if you don't want to reveal your identity.
Is the Physician Health Program only available to physicians who are established in practice?
The program is aware of the needs of physicians who are practicing in this changing world of medicine. Staff are also very sensitive to the unique needs of physicians-in-training and they are encouraged to contact the program if they are experiencing difficulty. Discrete consultation and support will be provided.
Does the Physician Health Program confine its services to helping physicians who are suffering from addictions?
No. Although physician health programs were originally established to assist physicians addicted to drugs and alcohol, times have changed and the scope of our program has also changed.
Over the last several years, problems dealt with by PHP staff often relate to issues such as:
Support for Physicians in Training
Physicians, residents and medical students are feeling the strain of working in a changing health care world. Often the early signs of mental illess and addiction are manifested at work as altered behaviour: irritability, withdrawal and declining performance.
