[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by mrsyarbie

So you are making these quotes based on your professional training as a therapist ? a MD, a lawyer. Just interested where you get your data. Thanks for the response.

This kind of thinking and being one who always looks at the world thru rose colored glasses is why Jim Jones was able to convince hundreds of followers to drink poison kool-ade and die a horrible death. Some people will just accept almost anything without question.

[Deerfly]

I was referred to her and she did an OUTSTANDING job for me. She is a very nice person and knows what she is doing as a neurologist. She referred me to one of outstanding neurosurgeons in the country. He diagnosed cancer and am well into recovery. I would refer her to others and have.

[graciegirl]

I don't see my skepticism in consulting her as a holier than thou attitude. I see it as a realistic approach that anyone who has had a serious addiction to substances would have a great risk of becoming addicted again simply because that is what statistics say. An addiction is disease that is very complicated and is not overcome by good character and kindness and ethics and morality.

At least that is what I have read. The only addiction I personally have witnessed is addiction to tobacco and alcohol.

It has been a very short time since all of these problems occurred.

Are there different standards in different states about physicians returning to practice after being diagnosed with such an addiction? Does Florida have a lower bar than Virginia or Maryland in this kind of thing?

It appears that what happened is much more serious than just having a little too much to drink one night.

I remember being told to not sign legal documents for 48 hourse after having medications for certain medical procedures. I don't know how anyone would really know if someone was in full use of their reasoning by looking at them unless it was quite obvious.

[elizabeth52]

Originally Posted by Indydealmaker

I cannot believe that you would allow the opinions of posters on here that have never even met Dr. Hamnik to dissuade you. You should stick with your gut. Just because you read something on the internet, does not guarantee that you are getting the entire story. You at least owe it to the doctor to share your concerns. That is something that most of the posters on here would not have the intestinal fortitude to do.

Why don't you look into how many practicing doctors and nurses have struggled with addiction to prescription drugs. Dr. Hamnik is not alone, here or anywhere else. You can be assured that if her ability to do her job was in any way compromised, she would be unable to obtain liability insurance. Stop listening to the holier than thou trolls.

I believe you are right. After working in the field of addictions for many years, you would be surprised at how common this problem is. As for finding someone who does not struggle with these issues, I'm not sure how you would know that. It could be that they don't have a problem OR that the problem has yet to manifest itself in a way that the public becomes aware of it. There is a huge stigma around addiction that prevents many from seeking the treatment that they need. The reactions here are typical and understandable. I believe that people are concerned for their own safety or the safety of a loved one. But again, in a lot of cases that may be a false sense of security, as you don't know what any other person, be it a Dr., nurse, or pilot, or the person who built your house or prepared your food is dealing with.
In all the cases I ever dealt with, in order not to lose a license, a doctor would have to agree to treatment and strict monitoring. And this was only an option after it was determined that there was no danger to the public.

[bjbkeylargo]

Originally Posted by The Shadow

Villages doctor stopped for DUI, faces prescription pill charges
Villages doctor dui pills - OrlandoSentinel.com

Does anyone have any recent experience with Dr. Hamnik since her incident in 2012? I am considering making an appointment with her soon regarding a medical condition.

[bestmickey]

I wish you would have asked that question without resurrecting the old thread.

Times change. People change.

You could have merely asked the question (without the history) more appropriately under the Medical and Health section, where it would get the most specific attention applicable to your current situation.

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by bjbkeylargo

Does anyone have any recent experience with Dr. Hamnik since her incident in 2012? I am considering making an appointment with her soon regarding a medical condition.

I have had some medical history with Dr. Hamnik and I would trust her with my life. She is very dedicated and caring. She takes the time to listen.

[Deerfly]

I have had her as a doctor who did everything in her power to help me, especially after she found that I had cancer. Her diagnosis was excellent. She had me taken at Shands at the U of Florida in Gainesville. The doctors there are excellent and have been doing whatever they can. I did have to return to The Villages, get rid of the doctor that I was seeing before everything. He has done nothing for me or anyone else I am aware of. I found doctors in The Villages who are wonderful and are doing everything they can to cure me. Not completely done but there still is a chance of me doing better for awhile. Ask around and look around before you select a doctor in The Villages. There are really good ones but some are losers in every respect you can think of.