Physician substance abuse impairment: anesthesiologists vs. other specialties

This is a retrospective case control study comparing relapse and recovery rates between addicted anesthesiologists and other physicians. Thirty-two anesthesiologists were compared with thirty-six randomized physician controls; all were followed for an average of 7.5 years over a 12-year period by the Medical Society of New Jersey's Physician Health Program. The relapse rate among anesthesiologists was 13 (40%) and for controls were 16 (44%). Sustained recovery rates longer than two years were 26 (81%) and 31 (86%), respectively. Binomial and Kolmogorov-Sminov analysis showed no statistical significance between these two groups (p = 0.749 and p = 0.589). These groups were stratified for residents vs. attendings and for those who changed their primary specialty during treatment and again, no statistical significance was noted between the two groups. The only significant difference in the groups noted was a higher opiate abuse rate for anesthesiologists (78%) vs. other physicians (42%) (p = 0.002). These findings suggest that with aggressive follow up and monitoring, clinicians can expect similar relapse and recovery rates for anesthesiologists as others.