Renowned Physician Joins Promises Treatment Centers as Director of Impaired Professionals Program

Los Angeles, CA, September 2, 2011 – Doctors, lawyers and other professionals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction have yet another reason to begin their recovery at Promises Treatment Centers. On September 1, renowned physician and addiction specialist, Dr. Greg Skipper, was appointed Director of Professional Health Services at Promises. Greg Skipper, MD, has worked in professional health, impairment, and occupational and addiction medicine for more than 30 years. He is certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American Board of Addiction Medicine, and is a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is also an educator, author and a sought-after speaker who has been interviewed by leading national television and radio shows. “Dr. Skipper brings a level of expertise and seasoned professionalism that will meet and exceed the expectations of our clients and referring clinicians,” said Betsy Spier, the executive director at Promises West L.A. “We welcome him to the Promises team.” Prior to joining Promises, Dr. Skipper worked with some of the most prestigious addiction treatment centers and professional assistance programs. He acted as medical director at Springbrook Hazelden, an evaluation and treatment program for professionals, and for Alabama’s Physician Health Program. He served in the role of advisor to the Betty Ford Center’s Licensed Professionals Program as well as Oregon’s physician health program. Dr. Skipper was appointed by the secretary of Health and Human Services as a member of the National Advisory Council for the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and is a consultant to the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and Drug Abuse Advisory Committee. He earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine and completed his internship and residency at the University of California, San Diego. In his new role, Dr. Skipper will help ensure that clients receive clinically sophisticated treatment, with an emphasis on long-term monitoring to improve outcomes in mental health and substance abuse treatment. “We will be focusing on the three essential components of addiction treatment: a thorough evaluation, highly individualized, patient-oriented treatment, and long-term support and monitoring,” said Dr. Skipper. “Together with the Promises team, I will be committed to making the treatment process even more effective, while maintaining Promises’ unparalleled standards of clinical excellence.” The Promises Professionals Treatment Program helps impaired doctors, lawyers and other professionals address drug and alcohol addictions that threaten their license, career and professional reputation. Each professional receives highly individualized treatment from licensed clinicians who understand the unique needs of addicted professionals. The treatment team works in concert with licensing boards and referring agencies, and partners with patients as they work toward long-term addiction recovery.