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North Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians

presents

Title: Assessment of Physicians as they encounter the Mental Health System

Presenter(s): Edgar P. Nace, M.D.

Date/Time: October 28, 2021 -- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: Dallas, TX and Virtual

Credit Hours: 1.5 hours

Workshop Description: 

Physicians, as with the general population, may encounter mental health systems voluntarily to address stress-related emotional turmoil, ongoing emotional disturbance, or a mental disorder (including substance use disorders). Alternatively, physicians may be non-self-referred by a state or hospital physician health program or by a practice group. The latter are particularly vulnerable to licensure or practice privilege consequences, financial consequences, and impacts on career trajectory and self-esteem. An assessment of the diagnosis (if, any) and the treatment needs (if indicated) of these physicians needs to appreciate, not only the mental status and history of the physician but the context of the referral, how the findings of the assessment may be interpreted, and the consequences of diagnoses and recommendations. A review of current data on substance use issues, other psychiatric diagnoses, and suicidality, will be provided. Focus on specific aspects of assessment and consequences for physicians will be illustrated through case studies.

Learning Objectives:

1) Understand the process necessary for a competent assessment.

2) Appreciate the personal and professional consequences of the assessment findings/conclusions.

3) Increased awareness of how data on physician suicidality and depression is determined and changes in prevalence. 

4) Be better able to contextualize findings of substance “misuse” and substance use disorder. 

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