The Forensic Evaluation and Rehabilitation of the Impaired Physician

Forensic, addiction, and occupational psychiatry have been the main subspecialties of psychiatry contributing to the assessment and treatment of impaired physicians. The assessment and rehabilitation of the impaired physician is a critical tool to achieving wellness for the affected physician. In addition, evaluating and treating physicians with disruptive behavior, professionalism concerns, substance use, and cognitive concerns help preserve a culture of wellness in the organizations and teams in which these physicians work. This article highlights the role of physician health programs, licensing boards, multidisciplinary comprehensive assessment teams, and treatment programs in the process of rehabilitating an impaired physician. It describes the components of a comprehensive evaluation of physicians that can accurately diagnosis the reason for impairment. Finally, key components of successful treatment programs and smooth re-entry to practice are highlighted. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2019;49(11):487–491.]