A PROGRAM FOR TREATING CHEMICALLY DEPENDENT MEDICAL-STUDENTS

The first American programme for chemically dependent medical students at the University of Tennessee, Memphis is described. The goals of th e Aid for the Impaired Medical Student (AIMS) Program are to provide c onfidential treatment for chemically dependent medical students, to as sure that recovering students are able to resume their education, and to protect patients and others from the harm that may be caused by imp aired students. The Program is administered by the AIMS Council, consi sting of medical professionals and elected student representatives. Th e Council oversees the management of cases, including investigation of students who may be impaired, intervention when chemical dependency i s suspected, diagnostic evaluation, treatment and aftercare, and post- recovery advocacy for students. The Program's experience includes 18 c ases of suspected chemical dependency, with four self-referrals and 14 students referred by third parties. Eleven students have been diagnos ed as chemically dependent and have completed treatment programmes. Ni ne have maintained recovery and eight have graduated. One student subs equently relapsed and committed suicide. Obstacles in programme implem entation have involved absence of perceived need, the view that chemic ally dependent students should be dismissed from school, and reluctanc e of students to report classmates. Resources have included highly res pected student representatives, a supportive administration, assistanc e of the impaired physicians programme, and medical insurance and prof essional courtesy to defray costs. Although the number treated has bee n modest, the AIMS Program is an important vehicle for training studen ts regarding chemical dependency and their professional obligations to ward impaired colleagues.