American Association for Physician Leadership

Dealing with Distressed Physicians: What Leaders Need to Know

Lola Butcher


May 1, 2025


Physician Leadership Journal


Volume 12, Issue 3, Pages 1-3


https://doi.org/10.55834/plj.6895621788


Abstract

Leaders often try to ignore emerging problems caused by a distressed or disruptive physician, but that is the wrong approach. This article shares how to recognize problem behavior, assess the situation, and intervene in a way that has the greatest likelihood of motivating distressed physicians to remediate their behavior.




Lola Butcher

Lola Butcher is a freelance healthcare journalist based in Missouri.

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For over 45 years.

The American Association for Physician Leadership has helped physicians develop their leadership skills through education, career development, thought leadership and community building.

The American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) changed its name from the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE) in 2014. We may have changed our name, but we are the same organization that has been serving physician leaders since 1975.

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formerly known as the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE)