The Study which appears in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that many doctors will not report their colleagues who are clearly unfit to practice medicine. Doctors are able to report to work drunk or while addicted to drugs with little fear of retribution. Even outright incompetence is rarely reported by other doctors.
In the study, 17% of the doctors surveyed had DIRECT knowledge of an incompetent or drug addicted physician in their workplace. Of those doctors, one third failed to report their knowledge to superiors. Among the reasons given for failing to act: belief that someone else will take care of it; that nothing will be done; retribution for being a whistle blower. One fifth of all doctors having direct knowledge of drug or alcohol abuse is a very large number. The number of physicians who may suspect that their colleague is on drugs or incompetent will be much higher.
The American Medical Association holds that it is an ethical requirement for any doctor with direct knowledge of mental impairment or incompetence of another doctor to report such knowledge. Unfortunately, too many incompetent doctors continue to work every day.
Despite extensive training and preparation, doctors do make mistakes every day leading to medical malpractice.
My office has extensive experience dealing with medical malpractice claims. If you believe you may have been injured by the negligence of a medical professional, contact my office right away for a free consultation.