Anger Management for Physicians

Anger is a normal emotion but when poorly managed can cause chaos in the medical workplace. It is widely recognized that patient safety and quality of care depend on good communication and teamwork. There is an increasing need for services to help doctors manage anger appropriately and communicate well. Dr. Hudson is a trained anger management specialist and a Fellow of the National Anger Management Association (NAMA). He is also an anger management specialist certified by NAMA and Century Anger Management.
doctors.

We have found that most physicians and surgeons prefer individual sessions over group sessions. Coaching for Physicians and Patrick Hudson MD have developed an individual anger management course for doctors. We offer intensive full day coaching or a 12 week program that is primarily psycho-educational. If completed satisfactorily, you will be provided a letter confirming attendance and completion of the program. Physicians are often the victims of bullying from other members of the healthcare team, including administrators, nurses and other doctors. One study suggests that physicians self identify as victims of bullying more than nurses. We can help you develop the interpersonal skills you need to respond to bullying in an assertive, non-aggressive way.

If you, or a loved one, has developed issues with anger it is wise to seek help with an anger management coach before the label "disruptive physician" is applied to you. In other words, it is usually best to get anger management training before someone else, like an administrator, disciplinary board or judge, mandates it for you. Some distressed physician programs paint a picture of a physician "out of control". In our experience, when a physician is made aware of their anger and its impact in an appropriate way, most are willing to make an effort to change their style of communication. It is true that not all disruptive physicians are simply angry. Some may suffer from a mental or physical illness for which they need help. While Dr. Hudson does not treat mental or physical problems, if he feels your problem cannot be helped with coaching he will refer you for further treatment and evaluation. Sometimes, it is possible for coaching to continue at the same time as additional medical or psychological treatment occurs.

Dr. Hudson is a Board Certified Coach, trained anger management specialist and a Fellow of the National Anger Management Association (NAMA). He is also an Anger Management Professional certified by Century Anger Management, a recognized global leader in the field of Anger Management training and certification.

The Century certified anger management program is used in mental health, substance abuse, corrections, education, law enforcement, human resources, domestic violence, and pastoral counseling. The Century Anger Management model of intervention is used and accepted in most courts, probation departments, hospitals, mental health facilities, substance abuse facilities, major corporations, governmental agencies and private practices. Our program is listed as a resource by the Federation of State Medical Boards in their directory of physician assessment and remedial education programs.

Some Comments and References from Clients