Success of Reentry Into Anesthesiology Training Programs by Residents With a History of Substance Abuse

To determine incidence & outcome of reentry into anesthesiology training programs by residents with histories of substance abuse, a survey was sent to 159 U.S. training programs. The success rate for parenteral opioid abusers was 34%, while the success rate for nonopioid abusers was 70%. There were 14 cases of suicide or lethal overdose. The authors conclude that anesthesiology trainees who have abused parenteral opioids should pursue another occupation. (VM)