Doctors’ impaired fitness to practice : the pivotal role of psychiatrists

Abstract EN

Doctors’ fitness to practice is central to good medical education and practice.

research has shown that doctors experience high rates of burnout, mental ill health, substance misuse and are at risk for suicide.

these conditions affect their fitness to practice and impact the health and safety of their patients.

medical regulatory bodies in the united states and western Europe have established rigorous procedures for the evaluation of the ‘impaired physician’ conducted by psychiatrists.

moreover, these countries have established specialist physician health programs that provide confidential and effective treatment whether on voluntary or mandatory basis.

the author makes particular reference to the UK experience and practice as medical examiner and supervisor for sick doctors under the general medical council fitness to practice procedures.

there is a case of need for the introduction of standard procedures for fitness to practice by the medical regulatory bodies and for the provision of specialist mental health services for sick doctors in Arab countries on par with procedures and provisions in western Europe and North America.