Treating doctors well
The Medical Society of P.E.I. is hoping to do a better job of helping sick doctors become well again.
A physician health program was implemented on April 1 with the goal of trying to ensure physicians are healthy and resilient, allowing them to deliver the best possible level of health care, says Dr. Kathie McNally, chairwoman of the standing committee on physician health with the society.
“I think we need to do a better job, and that is why we worked so hard to have a comprehensive, efficient physician health program (implemented),’’ she says.
“We absolutely are providing Dr. Kathie McNally, chairwoman of the standing committee on physician health with the Medical Society of P.E.I., says if physicians are healthy and resilient they are able to deliver a better level of health care.
something new through this program.’’
McNally says the Medical Society of P.E.I. has partnered with British Columbia Physician Health, which she notes has a very high-quality, extensive program.
Island physicians will have access to standardized care.
She says the first step with any sick physician, whether that be an addiction to drugs or a mental health issue or something else, is to ensure they receive an appropriate diagnosis. Following a comprehensive assessment, efforts will be made to ensure the safety of patients and proper treatment for the doctor.
“We want to address any issue that keeps a physician from providing quality health care,’’ says McNally, who works as a hospitalist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown.