Teaching residents and program directors about physician impairment.
OBJECTIVE
Residents are at a higher risk than the general population for the development of stress-related problems, depression, or suicide. The authors describe a curriculum for educating PGY-1s and residency program directors about physician impairment.


METHODS
A resident wellness program was established with the goals of preventing resident suicide, encouraging acceptance of treatment where appropriate, preventing self-prescribing, and aiding in stress management.


RESULTS
The curriculum was rated highly by residents in the areas of program content and usefulness.


CONCLUSIONS
Residents are receptive to education on physician impairment. Institutional support is necessary for effectively addressing these concerns with trainees.
Broquet
Karen E
KE
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Office of Residency Affairs, P.O. Box 19656, Springfield, IL 62794-9656, USA. kbroquet@siumed.edu
Rockey
Paul H
PH
D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D004493:Education; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010815:Physician Impairment / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*