The status of physician health programs in Wisconsin and north central states: a look at statewide and health systems programs.

There is increased recognition of the importance of physician health and the need to actively maintain and promote it. Attending to the health and well-being of medical clinicians is considered an important component of professionalism, and is important for the sustainability of safe, high-quality practice of medicine. This report highlights the importance of physician health programs, describes their history and evolution as well as the variability in program structure in various states, and reviews the present status of physician health resources, especially in Wisconsin. It gives an example of a program within a large, integrated health system and emphasizes the advantages of a statewide program.

Doctors who doctor self, family, and colleagues.

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.