Did You Know...

Drs. Linda Worley and G. Richard Smith worked closely with the Arkansas Medical Society and the Arkansas Psychiatric Society leadership to convince the Arkansas State Medical Board to change disclosure questions for renewal of medical licensure. In the past, the initial application for licensure read:

“Have you been, or are you presently, being treated for a mental health condition? If yes, was this voluntary or the result of a medical board action?” For renewal, “Since your last attestation, have you ever been or are you presently being treated for a mental health condition? If yes, was this voluntary or the result of a Medical Board action.

As a result of our work with the board, the questions now read:

(NEW) Medical Licensure Questions

Initial Application for Medical Licensure:
Have you ever been advised or required by any licensing or privileging body to seek treatment for a physical or mental health condition? If yes, please explain.

Renewal Application for Medical Licensure:
Since your last attestation, have you been advised or required by the State Medical Board or any other licensing or privileging body to seek treatment for a physical or mental health condition?

Bottom line – Physicians now are better off for seeking help at the earliest signs of difficulty! It is best to do so long before any outside source would advise them that they should seek help. While physicians pride themselves on being self reliant, the truth is they often live under constant stress, forgoing enjoying their professional or personal lives to the fullest as a result. This doesn’t have to be the case. The UAMS College of Medicine Faculty Wellness Program is here for the explicit purpose of helping each individual to thrive in all areas of their lives.

Our Fallen Peers- A Mandate for Change
Dr. Linda Worley's article about identifying and removing barriers contributing to physician/medical students' decisions NOT to see mental health care.