I first contacted CPHP due to some social anxiety issues. I was having difficulty integrating into the medical care team and having trouble communicating with the professional care team at school, even though I had clinical knowledge. The underlying problem had haunted me since early adolescence. These troubles in medical school persisted about six months prior to my contacting CPHP. I did not know the scope of your services. I really thought CPHP was where doctors with substance issues or perhaps doctors with criminal records went. However, I soon learned these were all misconceptions and that the spectrum of services was much broader and the audiences were broader.
Because I was having problems and because my school knew I was having problems, my initiative in seeking help from CPHP was mutually agreed upon. However, I would not have taken that step unless I had been educated about CPHP from school. I was glad that I arrived as soon as I did. I was quite apprehensive about contacting this organization initially out of sheer ignorance. I was worried about the stigma of getting help from CPHP. And I didn’t realize CPHP was separate from the State Board of Medical Examiners. I was sure there would be legal issues to tackle and that the process would be punitive. It was such a relief to know that CPHP was a referral and monitoring source.
My initial impression of CPHP and the clinical staff was very positive. I thought my clinician was fantastic and knowledgeable. The Associate Medical Director at CPHP handled my case really well. He was very understanding of my circumstances. There was immediate gratitude on my part. I also respected the fact that I was dealing with an actual doctor. I was relieved during our meeting together knowing that we were on the path to tackling the problem; I wasn’t going to be alone anymore.
CPHP has allowed me to work better with my school and to identify the core issues. This organization was a great referral source in working with a number of doctors I needed for my own health care. CPHP was supportive of me while working through school work. With my release of information CPHP communicated with my school based on the issues I was facing.
During the initial assessment and ongoing monitoring, I was hesitant as I was asked to complete several physical tests. It was difficult to be a patient. However, after the initial consultation things were great. CPHP especially worked well within my schedule. I must say the school administration and the dean’s office were both very supportive of my treatment, too.
I think additional financial support is always needed for your organization. Medical students tend to have limited funds, and doctors’ problems can blossom into personal financial problems. I think that even more communication by CPHP would be great—more medical school presentations and grand rounds. These additional presentations would help to dispel some of the ignorance about CPHP.
To other medical students who are fearful or uncertain about contacting CPHP: It takes strength and bravery, but I can attest that it will pay off. I understand that it’s not pleasant to make this kind of call, but it may be the most important call of your career.
CPHP helped provide me with both emotional and practical support during a time of great conflict with my former colleagues and the institutions where I practiced. I did not know anything about CPHP prior to my involvement. The clinical staff and physicians were very helpful, professional and supportive.
Currently, my practice is thriving, and my colleagues, including the hospital and medical staff, have been strongly supportive. I am deeply grateful both for the personal support and communication. I wish CPHP all the best for the future, and will remember fondly the warmth and support that CPHP showed me during our work together.
We were colleagues at the same hospital, and I was asked by the chairman of his department to attend on his case when he was admitted with alcohol-induced problems. I anticipated making an immediate referral to CPHP during his hospitalization. It was clearly medically necessary and appropriate to contact CPHP before he resolved his problems, so that CPHP could engage with him as soon as medically feasible.
There was no apprehension or doubt on my part in regard to making a referral. I notified the chief of staff that this would be required and appropriate and had his full approval, as well as that of the patient’s wife. I was aware of CPHP from a previous referral I had made several years ago. I had learned of CPHP at that time (2003) from the administration at the hospital where I worked.
The CPHP staff was outstanding. CPHP was sensitive to the patient’s medical, psychological, addictive and professional issues, and were very willing to help. CPHP was respectful of the sensitive nature of his situation with regard to privacy and confidentiality. Furthermore, CPHP was supportive, non-punitive, and committed to this physician’s care.
When the time was appropriate, I disclosed fully the nature of my contact with CPHP and the rationale for doing so. I shared with him information provided to me by the CPHP staff, so that he might begin to chart the next steps in his situation. He received this same information well.
To a colleague who may have misconceptions or who is fearful or uncertain about contacting CPHP in order to make a similar referral, I would strongly encourage you to make the referral, either for yourself or for someone else. There is no doubt that I did the right thing. I would make this same referral again. I really feel that every aspect of the patient’s care was excellent, both in the intensive care unit and the "dovetail" with his outpatient connection with CPHP.
I am hard pressed as to how CPHP can better assist physicians and their families. I think CPHP provides a critical, restorative service to a great profession, but a profession that is not immune to addiction and self-destructive behavior. CPHP is a terrific avenue to assist physicians who need help and are willing to comply with treatment. CPHP really saved the life and career of a colleague. Thanks for the excellent care, support, and responsiveness. I felt validated in my care of the patient by the staff, and supported by them, in a very challenging situation.