In these changing medical times, there is an issue with physicians drinking in social settings where there is public viewing of their drinking. I am told, not infrequently, about someone having seen a physician drinking in public where he or she was presumed to be on call and with the possibility of rendering patient care. Not too many years ago, this would not have been considered an issue or the physician would have been unconcerned with this perception. However, times have changed and physicians need to be aware of this public perception problem with its legal issues and act accordingly. There is ample evidence today that moderate alcohol consumption in physicians and other people in social settings can be beneficial.
Physicians have a right to enjoy the medical benefits of social drinking.
However, in changing medical times, they also need to be aware of the legal issues and the medical problems that may come with abusive drinking. They need to know the difference between social drinking and abusive drinking in terms of the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Physicians can be role modelers, as well as role models, relating to the social use of the drug alcohol. Talbott Recovery Campus does not endorse or guarantee references or sites listed, and no unfavorable inference should be drawn from failure of any resource listed here. Readers are encouraged to direct any questions concerning personal health care to licensed physicians or other appropriate healthcare professionals.