Physician Health Matters: Should Doctors Drink Alcohol?

Medical literature regularly debates the health risks and benefits of alcohol consumption. Physicians, however, should be more sensitive to the risks of consuming any alcohol, particularly when they may be called upon to work.

To guard against potential liability issues and the perception of impaired judgement, physicians should review the policies that govern alcohol usage at their hospitals and health care facilities.

Broad-Based Mandates From Employers
While few hospitals have policies prohibiting physicians from drinking alcohol altogether, many have provisions within more-focused substance abuse policies that prohibit physicians from consuming alcohol while performing hospital business. This becomes particularly relevant when deciding whether to consume alcohol while on call or when there is a possibility of being summoned after hours to see a patient.

The language within substance abuse policies can be broad and encompassing. One Boston hospital, for example, prohibits "the consumption of alcohol . . . by any employee while performing Hospital business or while on Hospital property." Another local hospital requires that medical staff members "not use alcohol when they may reasonably be expected to be called upon to provide patient care or advice to those providing patient care."

Lifestyle Changes vs. Professional Risks
Physicians who provide call on a regular basis or who customarily make themselves available for consultation may find the prohibition of alcohol during these times unduly intrusive. However, the risks associated with alcohol consumption, regardless of whether or not there is apparent impairment, can be significant. If a physician who has had only one alcoholic beverage has a bad outcome, the degree of concern, not to mention liability, is dramatically increased. Likewise, if a patient smells alcohol on a physician's breath, the patient may lose confidence, regardless of whether or not there has been any variance in the physician's behavior.

- Luis Sanchez, M.D.

For more information, contact Physician Health Services, Inc. at (781) 434-7404 or (800) 322-2303, ext. 7404, or visit www.physicianhealth.org.