© The Author 2005. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Medical Council on Alcohol. All rights reserved
INVITED COMMENTARY
DOCTORS' DRINKING AND FITNESS TO PRACTISE
NHS Grampian Clinical Research Centre, Royal Cornhill Hospital, 26 Cornhill Road, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZH, UK
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed at: Dr. Douglas G. Fowlie, Consultant Psychiatrist, NHS Grampian Clinical Research Centre, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZH, UK. E-mail: Douglas. Fowlie@gpct.grampian.scot.nhs.uk
(First received 16 August 2005; first review notified 17 August 2005; in final revised form 9 September 2005; accepted 10 September 2005)
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Rosta and Aasland's paper (2005)
‘Female surgeons’ alcohol use: A Study of a Nation-wide Sample of Norwegian Doctors adds to the evidence that doctors are at increased risk of becoming dependent at some point in their career.
The finding that detrimental drinking by surgeons was more prevalent than might be expected may point to important fitness-to-practise considerations.
The questions ‘Who cares about doctors as individuals?’ and ‘Who cares for doctors apart from family and friends?’ seem still to be difficult to answer.
A doctor's independence and ability to become immersed in a patient's plight are key components for