Physician Disability: Many Physicians Reluctant to Get Help
When physicians experience illness or disability, they are in the unique position of have extensive knowledge on healthcare and treatments. They may be unconvinced to get help or even to protect themselves with physician disability insurance. However, despite an unwavering ability to diagnose others, physicians often don’t want to acknowledge their own disability. Furthermore, they may also be adverse to reporting it. 
According to Physician News, physicians are slow to seek medical attention, often self-prescribe, and are reluctant to take time off for illness. Coupled with the high stress, long hours, and exhaustive toll that medical care can often require, many physicians do suffer from a variety of ailments ranging from physical injury to mental disorders and substance abuse.
Many physicians won’t report ailments or injury, fearing that seeking help could risk heir job or reputation. However, seeking help early on can help avert the issue growing into a long term disability.
According to the Council for Disability Awareness, over one in four of 20 year olds today will become disabled before they retire. Nearly 90% of disabilities are due to illness rather than injury.
If physicians experience a serious enough injury or illness, they may be forced to stop practicing medicine. Depending on your stage in life, everything from medical school loans to retirement savings could be threatened by a sudden loss in income.
Make sure you have physician disability insurance. Even if you have a group policy, individual disability plans can help cover the income gaps where workers comp and other policies fall short.