What Are Caduceus Meetings?

Caduceus meetings are modeled after the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and the Twelve Steps. They provide a setting specifically for licensed healthcare professionals to connect with others who understand the experience of addiction and recovery within a healthcare career. Groups are independent and may differ in format and participation guidelines, but share an emphasis on peer support, privacy, and connection in recovery.

The shared professional background can make it easier to talk openly about concerns that may be difficult to discuss elsewhere, including the impact of addiction on one’s career, licensure, relationships, and return to professional life.

Caduceus meetings can complement AA, treatment, and other recovery programs by offering something different: a recovery community of healthcare professionals who understand the unique personal and professional challenges that addiction can bring.

Who Can Attend?

Caduceus meetings are generally open to licensed healthcare professionals affected by addiction. Depending on the individual group, participants may include:

  • Physicians (MD/DO)

  • Residents and Medical Students

  • Physician Assistants

  • Pharmacists

  • Dentists

  • Veterinarians

  • Psychologists

  • Registered Nurses and other licensed nursing professionals

  • Other licensed healthcare professionals

Each Caduceus group is independent and determines its own participation guidelines. Contact the individual meeting to confirm whether it is open to your healthcare profession. If a particular meeting is not available to you, the meeting contact may be able to help identify another peer-support option.

There are no dues or fees required to attend. Some groups observe AA’s Seventh Tradition and may accept voluntary contributions, which go directly to the individual group to help cover its operating expenses.