Operation Pilluted

Operation Pilluted is the biggest ever prescription drug crackdown conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). On May 20, 2015, 280 individuals were arrested including 22 physicians and pharmacists. Those detained have been indicted in federal court and, if they are convicted, will serve sentences in federal penitentiary.

The goal was to stop the "pill mills" that unlawfully provide commonly abused narcotics for example Vicodin, OxyContin, and Valium. The arrests occurred in Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi and came at the end of a 15 month long investigation into the illegal distribution of controlled substances.

Prescription drug abuse in the United States has reached epidemic levels.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared that since 1999, the number of prescription painkillers prescribed in the US has almost quadrupled and 44 people per day die from prescription drug overdoses.

Healthcare professionals are critical in controlling this epidemic because unlawful prescribing practices are among the main factors in the growth of prescription drug abuse.

Operation Pilluted clearly demonstrates that the law is being broken by some healthcare professionals as a way to profit from this growing epidemic. Pill mills can be a very lucrative business that some, unfortunately, cannot resist.

The healthcare industry, in addition to state medical licensing boards, must remain alert and assist in solving this health issue.

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Characteristics of a Good Doctor

A recent e-mail caught my attention with all the heading "Characteristics of a Great Doctor". It's interesting to take some time and consider what features are important to health care? Patients frequently tout that they want a doctor who listens, who is kind, helpful, and caring. Frequently doctors fail to convey caring or kindness to patients even though that would seem obvious.

Patient perception is another element to be considered. We all see interactions predicated on our previous encounters, so it is vital to keep in mind that the patient might be bringing preconceptions from past experiences which can put the doctor at a real disadvantage. The best I can do to carry out my mandate to be a "good physician" is to really BE helpful, kind and caring, even if this message gets lost in translation.

Professionalism is another important attribute that is certainly usually noted in surveys about "What is a Good Doctor". Professionalism must be learned, practiced, and chosen consciously in scenarios where emotions could otherwise win out. This is difficult, but the occupation has an importance greater than personalities or biases. We, as healthcare providers, have been allowed a great privilege and with that comes the responsibility to subordinate our prejudices and our quirks.

Knowledge is another major requirement of being an excellent physician. Board certification reassures patients of expertise and it is important for me to keep my knowledge base current to be able to be, in my understanding, a "good doctor". Other aspects include empathy, the ability to listen actively, flexibility, and self assurance. 

The ability to collaborate, to admit our limitations, and also a willingness to seek help are three top qualities of a good physician, in my book. There are many more attributes that could be listed. A "good doctor" doesn't have to be superhuman, but should attempt to be the best he or she can be.

What qualities do you think are important in a doctor? What qualities have you respected in co-workers or mentors? Do you struggle with any one of these places? I'd love to hear from you!