The UCI Medical Staff Well-Being & Professionalism Committee focuses on supporting the health and wellness of our community by preventing and addressing issues related to alcohol, drugs or behavior. 

Welcome from the Chair

Brian R. Smith, MD, UCI Well-Being & Professionalism Committee Chair

About the Well-Being and Professionalism Committee

Purpose 

Welcome to the UCI Medical Staff Well-Being & Professionalism Committee. Our mission is to support the health and wellness of our medical staff. By doing so, we protect patient welfare, improve patient care and enhance medical staff functioning.

We focus on preventing and addressing alcohol-related, drug-related and behavioral challenges affecting our medical staff. Our approach is non-punitive and designed to assist, not discipline. Our process helps members recover and retain professional functioning while maintaining quality patient care.

Confidentiality

All discussions, consultations and records are strictly confidential. We offer a private, supportive environment to help our medical staff. No information is shared without permission, and we securely handle all documentation.

Eligibility 

All UCI credentialed medical staff are eligible for the program, including physicians, residents, fellows and Advanced Practice Practitioners. If you are a UCI School of Medicine- or UCI Health-affiliated co-worker but not a member of the medical staff, alternative resources may be available. 

Review process

If a medical staff member self-reports or is suspected of impairment, a confidential process is initiated. The Medical Staff Well-Being & Professionalism Committee reviews the situation and, if necessary, refers the individual for assistance.

The goal is always rehabilitation and support. If needed, a monitoring agreement is created to address the individual's circumstances. The success of this program depends on the cooperation of the individual being assisted.

The Medical Staff Well-Being & Professionalism Committee oversee professionalism issues concerning Practitioners on the Medical Staff. When there are reports of disruptive or unprofessional behavior that could also involve impairment The Medical Staff Well-Being & Professionalism Committee serve as a focus of expertise and as a resource for monitoring and improving professional behavior with the goal of developing a professional behavior improvement plan. This plan may include signing a contract and participating in professional coaching.

Upon referral, the committee chair will review background information followed by a meeting with the medical staff member and two to three members of the committee. Depending on the situation, the committee may recommend a range of offerings, including support resources, ongoing support/monitoring, or a treatment plan for the medical staff member.