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.