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Impaired physician — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardEthics, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Systems-Based PracticeImpaired physicianUSMLE Step 3

A resident smells of alcohol during rounds and nearly administers the wrong drug. Patient care duties are ongoing. What is the best immediate action?

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Correct answer: A — Remove the resident from care duties and report through safety channels

A credible concern for impairment threatening patient safety requires immediate protection of patients and prompt reporting through the designated pathway. Informal concealment and delay are unsafe.

Reference: AMA Code: Physician Responsibilities to Colleagues with Illness, Disability or Impairment: https://code-medical-ethics.ama-assn.org/ethics-opinions/physician-responsibilities-colleagues-illness-disability-or-impairment