Doctors who doctor self, family, and colleagues. WMJ 2008 Sep;107(6):279-84
Date
10/22/2008Pubmed ID
18935895Scopus ID
2-s2.0-52249115608 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 23 CitationsAbstract
Treating one's self, treating one's family, being a physician-patient, and taking care of colleagues and their families are aspects of the practice of medicine that are not often taught or discussed in any type of venue. They are not new issues. They have been considered since the earliest days of medicine. They are sometimes controversial issues, since physicians have been reluctant to set standards for themselves. This article reviews the prevalence of physicians' treatment of self and their families and the problems that may arise, as well as the regulations that have been developed. It also examines the reluctance of physicians to seek care and the consequences and the special needs of physician-patients. Finally, guidelines for providing care to self and colleagues are suggested. Further education for students and house staff is needed to enable physicians to appreciate the risks of self treatment and to know how to best care for themselves and their colleagues.
Author List
Krall EJAuthor
Edward J. Krall MD Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Medical School Regional Campuses department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
FamilyHumans
Physician's Role
Physician-Patient Relations
Self Care
Self Medication
