Success of Reentry Into Anesthesiology Training Programs by Residents With a History of Substance Abuse

Use of psychoactive substances in three medical specialties: anaesthesia, medicine and surgery

“…I-ts Furthermore, some medical specialty groups are believed to have a higher risk for the development of chemical dependence. 16 For example, while only 3% of practicing physicians in the U.S.A. are anaesthetists, 13% of a group of drug-dependent physicians in treatment, practiced in that specialty. 17 Although no generally accepted reasons for such over-representation have been put forth, the ease of workplace access to opioids, anaesthetics, and other psychotropic medications has been thought to contribute to this observation.…”

Substance abuse: a national survey of Canadian residency program directors and site chiefs at university-affiliated anesthesia departments

“…22 Previous studies have shown that anesthesiologists who have suffered from addiction to substances accessible within the operating room environment (e.g., opioids, propofol, and volatile agents) have a higher relapse rate with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality when compared with physicians in other specialties. 23 Perhaps not surprisingly, this has led to diverse opinions with regard to the appropriateness of reentry into clinical anesthesiology practice. In their editorial in 2009, Berge et al take a strong stance towards a ''one strike you're out'' policy, whereby recovering anesthesiologists are discouraged from re-entry into anesthesiology and directed towards lower-risk occupational fields within medicine or a different occupation altogether.…”

Riscos e doenças ocupacionais relacionados ao exercício da anestesiologia

“…Of the remaining 66%, 25% died. The users of alcohol and other drugs had recovery rates of 70%, and of the remaining 30%, 13% died 47 . Thus, there is a need for diagnosis, treatment and support for the anesthesiologist at risk for or already with addiction 48 .…”