Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD

The Addiction Files

Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD

  • Professional Health Programs

Professional Health Programs

Tuesday 3rd October 2023

Explore professional health programs for healthcare workers with Dr. Simpson and Kelli Jacobsen, debunking myths and emphasizing support and destigmatization.
Explicit
45 minutes
Informative
Empowering
Hopeful
Compassionate
Inspiring

About this podcast

The Addiction Files
Author:
Darlene Petersen, MD and Paula Cook, MD
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Episodes:
98 (View all)
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Breaking Barriers: Understanding Professional Health Programs for Healthcare Workers

Episode Overview

  • Professional health programs provide confidential and alternative support for healthcare professionals with substance use disorders
  • The episode highlights the myths, benefits, and barriers surrounding professional health programs
  • Challenges in accessing treatment, including cost and the need for more compassionate workplace environments, are discussed
  • The importance of early intervention and destigmatization is emphasized
  • Insights into how healthcare professionals can engage with and benefit from professional health programs are shared
The most compassionate thing that you can do is talk to the person. Intervening is probably the most compassionate thing that you can do for somebody. People, although people have to have a substance use disorder to participate in our program, they don't have to have a substance use disorder to engage with our program.
Imagine being a healthcare professional, dedicated to saving lives, but secretly struggling with a substance use disorder. In this compelling episode of 'The Addiction Files', hosts Dr. Darlene Petersen and Dr. Paula Cook sit down with Dr. Robert Simpson and licensed clinical social worker Kelli Jacobsen to tackle the often misunderstood world of professional health programs (PHPs). This conversation is a must-listen for anyone in the medical field or those supporting someone who is. Dr.
Simpson, the medical director for the Utah Professional's Health Program, and Jacobsen dive into the myths that surround PHPs, explaining who qualifies for these programs and the benefits they offer. They also don’t shy away from discussing the barriers that still exist, such as the stigma attached to seeking help and the high costs associated with treatment. The episode emphasizes the importance of early intervention and creating more compassionate and supportive workplace environments.
The guests share eye-opening stories and practical advice on how PHPs provide confidential and alternative support for healthcare professionals battling substance use disorders. They highlight the need for destigmatization within the medical community, advocating for a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength rather than a weakness. Whether you're a seasoned healthcare provider, a medical student, or someone with a loved one in the profession, this episode offers valuable insights into how PHPs can be a lifeline.
It’s an enlightening discussion that underscores the critical need for supportive measures in the high-stress world of healthcare.
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