General Public
Is alcoholism curable?
Alcoholism, like all addictive illnesses is chronic, progressive, and often fatal if left untreated. Just like diabetes mellitus or asthma, addiction does not have a course of medication that produces an instant or permanent cure.
There are however, many effective treatments available that can help the addicted individual return to a healthy lifestyle, free of addiction and to rebuild their life.
I'm so afraid to talk to anyone about my problem. Can I talk to the Physician Health Program privately?
The program staff appreciates how difficult it is for physicians to ask for assistance. We have tried to create a program whereby those who contact us can feel comfortable sharing their concerns. The goal is to provide a safe environment where callers can talk to a program physician about the demands and stresses in their lives and/or practices.
Your privacy is respected and you can speak with a program physician even if you don't want to reveal your identity.
Is the Physician Health Program only available to physicians who are established in practice?
The program is aware of the needs of physicians who are practicing in this changing world of medicine. Staff are also very sensitive to the unique needs of physicians-in-training and they are encouraged to contact the program if they are experiencing difficulty. Discrete consultation and support will be provided.
Does the Physician Health Program confine its services to helping physicians who are suffering from addictions?
No. Although physician health programs were originally established to assist physicians addicted to drugs and alcohol, times have changed and the scope of our program has also changed.
Over the last several years, problems dealt with by PHP staff often relate to issues such as:
Is the Physician Health Program of BC an office of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia?
No. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) is the governing body for all BC doctors. It is responsible for such issues as maintenance for professional conduct and standards, registration, licensing etc.
The role of the Physician Health Program of British Columbia (PHPBC) is to provide advocacy and support for physicians, including those in training and their families who are experiencing problems related to personal and family emotional health issues, the inappropriate use of alcohol and/or drugs or coping with physical illness.
What's new with the website?
Posted August 13th, 2008 by Claire SauveHere at the Physician Health Program of BC we are working on updating our web presence. Given the plethora of community tools available for us, the planning, implementation and launch of the project will be happening in many stages, an iterative process.
