Physician Health
Physician Health
The College’s mandate is one of public safety. As such, the College strives to ensure that patients receive care that is safe and not compromised by the health of the physician. The College is committed to managing issues that surround physician health fairly and sensitively, considering both the safety of the patient and the dignity of the physician.
There is much to be gained from examining issues that surround physician wellness from all angles. After all, our system and our patients depend on healthy physicians.
Upstream, the profession is exploring ways to help physicians guard against the toll of practice on health and resilience. This is a welcome change to the culture of our profession. There are increased resources and support available to struggling physicians. The profession increasingly recognizes that physicians need support and that good patient care depends on good physician health.
Downstream, the College is tasked with ensuring that physician health is not interfering with patient safety. When physician health issues come to the College, they are managed confidentially. Wherever legally possible, complaints that connect to the health of the physician will be examined through the lens of physician wellness rather than through the disciplinary lens.
All members of our profession share a responsibility to the patients of unwell physicians. Physicians are obliged to report to the College when they have reasonable grounds to believe a colleague’s health is placing patients at risk. Physicians are often in better position than anyone to see if a colleague is struggling or failing, and, as such, are well positioned to protect the patients of that colleague.
Working with physicians, their caregivers, and their legal counsel, the College will identify the appropriate scope and the appropriate safeguards to support safe medical practice. Although patient safety is paramount, the privacy of the physician will be maintained. The personal health information of a physician is never released publicly.
Physician wellness is a serious issue for all physicians and their patients. All involved in the profession, share in the responsibility of addressing physician health and safeguarding patient care.