MCMS Physician Winter 2017 - 30

mon t m e d s o c .c om

he Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society,
the charitable arm of Pennsylvania Medical Society,
celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Physicians
Health Program (PHP) by sharing 30 Stories of how the
program changed people's lives.

"Hope" is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops - at all.

Here are a couple of life-changing testimonials:

For more than 25 years, I have had the privilege of
representing physicians, dentists, and other health professionals.
One of the most challenging and rewarding aspects of my
practice has been the representation of health professionals
who have or may have a physical or mental impairment. For
my clients who have connected with the Physicians Health
Program for help, the PHP has been a reliable, constant,
compassionate, and knowledgeable resource at every step in
the process - helping to obtain an evaluation, supporting
and monitoring recovery, and advocating for the retention or
reinstatement of professional licenses.
Many things have changed in 25 years - the faces at the
PHP, the laws and regulations governing professional practice,
and certainly the nature of the practice of medicine and
dentistry. The stresses inherent in the practice of medicine and
dentistry have always been considerable - never more than
today. Through it all, the PHP has been there. The PHP has
saved lives and has helped many health professionals achieve
a stable recovery and continue working. For that, I express my
gratitude and look forward to working together in the years to
come for the benefit of health professionals in Pennsylvania.

It was in February of 1989, and I appeared to be a very
successful EM doc, but in my head, I knew my life was in
crisis. But I didn't know what to do or how to get out.
I knew I was an alcoholic and was using scheduled drugs to
get through work and the day. I was drinking and using drugs
all day and night just to give the appearance that I was normal
and successful.
I had a DUI and was being investigated by the FBI, IRS,
and DEA. No one else knew except my closest friend, who
was also my attorney. On March 13, 1989, after having
my home searched by the FBI, DEA, and IRS, I entered
treatment for drug and alcohol abuse at the Mayo Clinic.
When I got home, besides going to Alcoholics Anonymous
meetings, I called the PHP, because I did not know how to
deal with licensing issues, credentialing issues, malpractice
issues, legal issues, and many other situations that eventually
would come up.
I can honestly say that over a 25-year period, PHP has
helped and supported me with every issue. In the beginning,
I did not believe any of the things I have now would ever
be possible. Because of the help, guidance, and support of
PHP, I have a great and respected medical career. I am also
happy, serene, and drug-free. In short, I owe PHP my life and
happiness.
-MICHAEL S. ANTOON, DO, FAAEM

Looking back, I wished I had done some things very
differently in my professional and personal life. But if I could
share one lesson I learned, it is never be afraid to ask for
help - sooner rather than later. Asking for help is a sign of
strength, being honest with oneself, and taking full advantage
of what life has to offer. It spares the pain and consequences
loved ones must endure by not seeking help sooner. Not
everyone will give you a second chance. But those who do will
give you the hope Emily Dickinson [wrote about in] a poem,
which took me so many years to understand:

-ANONYMOUS

-JULIA E. GABIS, ESQ.

Go to www.foundationpamedsoc.org throughout the year to
read new stories every month and donate online.
SAVING LIVES AND CAREERS
For 30 years, the PHP has helped more than 4,300
physicians enjoy life without drugs or alcohol and continue to
be successful physicians. To learn how you can make a difference
by contributing to the PHP Endowment, contact Marjorie
Lamberson, CFRE, at mlamberson@pamedsoc.org or (717) 5587846. Or mail your gift to: The Foundation of The Pennsylvania
Medical Society, Physicians Health Program Endowment
Campaign, 777 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8820.

M C M S P H Y S I C I A N 30 W I N T E R 2 0 1 7

https://www.montmedsoc.com/Pages/Home.aspx http://www.foundationpamedsoc.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MCMS Physician Winter 2017