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J U N E 2 0 1 6 O R E X C E L L E N C E . C O M 4 1 H ealthcare providers are just like everyone else: which is to say, they're human and vulnerable to flaws and temptations, including alcoholism and drug abuse, says Ashish C. Sinha, MD, PhD, MBA, vice chairman of the anesthesi- ology and perioperative medicine department at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pa. In his presentation, "Addiction & Abuse: Medicine's Dirty Little Secret," he'll explain why providers may in fact be more vulnerable to addic- tion, and he'll outline the options available to help them recover. • No one is immune. Addiction among med- ical professionals shouldn't be a surprise. We Substance Abuse in Surgery Providers with alcohol and drug problems put themselves, and their patients, at risk. • Board-certified anesthesiologist practicing at Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa. • Developed interest in substance abuse among profession- als after watching 2 colleagues fall prey to addiction. • Has authored or co- authored more than 100 manuscripts and delivered more than 600 CME lec- tures on 6 conti- nents. Ashish Sinha, MD, PhD, MBA Speaker Profile expect healthcare providers to be somehow cut from dif- ferent cloth, but believe me, they're not. They aren't immune to addiction or abuse. Their work is stress- ful and involves long hours, and their relatively easy access to prescription painkillers and other potent medications may make drug diversion even more likely. • 1 in 10. The incidence rate of substance abuse among providers might be more than 10%. • When does it strike? Drug use is more likely to emerge a number of years after training. Look at physi- cians. As a med student, as a resident, you can't be a drug addict. You'll flunk out. But 3 to 5 years post-training is when this tends to begin. You may be depressed, you may be curious. Anesthesia espe- cially has access: Open the drawer and the good stuff is