Central PA Medicine Summer 2021 - 11

dauphincms.org
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verifies the physician's compliance with their
recommendations and assures employers,
hospitals, and regulatory agencies that
physicians are safe to practice medicine. We
do not work for regulatory agencies, but we
work cooperatively with them by advocating
for our physicians. These agencies have a
healthy respect for the MPHP and look to
us to confirm that a physician is able to
practice with safety and skill.
It is the mission of the MPHP to restore
physicians to healthy functioning so they
can have success in all aspects of their lives.
It is truly an honor to offer our services.
We work with really good physicians who
are called to ask for help. MPHP is fully
committed to our mission of helping
physicians.
Our biggest challenge is reaching all
of the physicians that need our help. We
do outreach and presentations to get the
word out, but there are many physicians
that could benefit from our support. Please
contact Mary Fahey at 314-578-9574 if
you or someone you know is struggling.
There is a solution.
Mary Fahey, LCSW
Central Region Director, 2019-2021
Federation of State Physician Health Programs
https://www.themphp.org/
The Pennsylvania Physicians' Health
Program (PA PHP) is a physician-led, nonprofit
program of the Foundation of the
Pennsylvania Medical Society that provides
support and advocacy to physicians and other
eligible health care professionals struggling
with a substance use disorder, mental illness
or behavioral concerns. The program also
offers information and support to the families
of impaired physicians and encourages their
involvement in the recovery process.
The PA PHP has a rich history with roots
in a volunteer-based, impaired-physician
program that began in 1970. The Pennsylvania
Medical Society (PAMED) responded to a
growing need for services by hiring a medical
director and case managers and officially
started the PA PHP in 1986 under the
umbrella of the Foundation. It
is now one
of the largest, most fully developed physicians'
Currently,
only
14-15% of the
physicians
admitting to
stress and
burnout seek
treatment,
despite 81%
of them
knowing how
or where to
get help.
health programs in the country. The PA PHP
has a cooperative working relationship with
PAMED, the State Board of Medicine, and
the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, as
well as the Pennsylvania Dental Association.
The PA PHP assists physicians, physician
assistants, medical students, dentists, dental
hygienists, expanded function dental assistants,
and veterinarians. Many hospitals, medical
staffs, and managed care organizations in
Pennsylvania use the services offered by
the PHP.
The PA PHP's goal is to provide each person
with the confidential care they need to recover
and return to the practice of their chosen
profession. In a 2020 participant impact
survey, 91.18 percent of respondents said
they " have an active license to practice their
profession " and 85.71 percent " are working
in their chosen profession. " The PHP serves
individuals who self-refer or who are directed
by their licensing board to seek assistance.
Master's level, experienced case management
staff are available to help participants find
the most appropriate resources and develop
an individualized approach to each case. The
PA PHP utilizes assessment and treatment
providers who specialize in the unique needs
of the health care professional and their
family. To keep a clear line of separation, the
PA PHP does not accept philanthropic gifts
from assessors or treatment providers.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the
provision of some services through secure
video communication; however, the provision
of services never ceased. Additional resources
were added for physicians and their workplaces
to address the physical and psychosocial
needs of health care professionals during
this challenging time. COVID-19 left many
health professionals seeking help for stress and
trauma. The PA PHP case management staff
are trained to assist in screening and resource
coordination for individuals seeking mental
health support.
The PA PHP recognizes the critical role engaged
workplace and family systems play in the
recovery process. Outreach, peer monitoring,
and advocacy are essential components which
support participants within the workplace.
CME and non-CME education is offered
to educational institutions, health systems,
and other groups. As the PA PHP plans for
the future, it will continue to identify and
develop services relevant to the unique needs
of the safety-sensitive participants it serves.
Tiffany Booher, MA, LPC, CAADC, CIP, CCSM
Director, Physicians' Health Program, The
Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society
http://www.paphp.org
Continued on page 12
Central PA Medicine Summer 2021 11
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Central PA Medicine Summer 2021

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