Importance: Problematic alcohol use in physicians poses a serious concern to physicians' health and their ability to provide care. Understanding the extent and characteristics of physicians with problematic alcohol use will help inform interventions.

Question: How common is problematic alcohol use among physicians, and what characteristics are associated with it in physicians?

Findings: In this systematic review of 31 studies involving 51 680 participants in 17 countries, problematic alcohol use in physicians was identified by a self-reported survey, with reported use increasing over time. Methods of assessment and outcome definitions were highly variable, and limited information was identified on how problematic alcohol use varies among physicians based on age, sex, specialty, and training stage.

Meaning: Key epidemiologic information of the prevalence of problematic alcohol use in physicians and associated risk factors are unknown, hampering the ability to identify high-risk individuals for targeted interventions.