Response to Barrett, et al, and Harter

We thank Dr. Barrett and colleagues and Dr. Harter for their thoughtful Letters regarding our recent JMR article titled “Do Medical Licensing Questions on Health Conditions Pose a Barrier to Physicians Seeking Treatment? A Literature Review.”¹

As regulators, we regulate in the public interest. Unless we could conclude that mental health never impacted fitness to practice, it would be difficult to remove a requirement for reporting some mental health concerns.

As a self-regulating profession, we must work with physicians to address health concerns in a fair and compassionate manner to ensure physicians are healthy to care for patients.

The challenge remains finding the right balance.