"Own occupation" coverage generally focuses on whether you can perform the duties of your specific medical specialty.
Many physician disability policies contain an "own occupation" definition of disability. This means the key question is often whether the physician can perform the substantial duties of his or her specialty—not whether the physician can perform any job whatsoever.
For example, an orthopedic surgeon who develops a hand tremor may be unable to safely perform surgery even though he or she could potentially teach, consult, or perform administrative work. Depending on the policy language, that distinction may be critical.
The American College of Physicians provides additional information regarding disability planning for physicians.
BOTTOM LINE FROM TWWLAWFIRM.COM
👉 In physician disability cases, the specific duties of your specialty often matter far more than your ability to perform other types of work.
(This legal/medical information is for general educational purposes only. While it applies in many situations, no attorney-client relationship is formed—which enables a lawyer to give specific legal advice—until you have spoken to the lawyer directly and retained him or her in writing.)