Articles/Chapters
Reducing Barriers to Mental Health Care for Physicians - An Overview and Strategic Recommendations
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Daniel Saddawi-Konefka, MD, MBA; Christine Yu Moutier, MD; Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH
August 14, 2025
This article highlights the life-saving impact of Physician Health Programs (PHPs), and features a quote from FSPHP Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Chris Bundy who emphasized their role of PHPs in restoring well-being and professional function. The Tennessee Medical Foundation (TMF) is also spotlighted as a model for mental health support.
Health Workers Deserve Care Too: How to Protect Their Mental Health
MEDPAGETODAY'S KevinMD.com
Corey Feist, JD, MBA & Kim Downey, PT
May 9, 2025
Strengthening the confidential support provided by Professional and Physician Health Programs is one of the six crucial actions aimed at improving access to mental health care for health care professionals and eliminating the stigmatizing policies that have held them back from seeking the help they need.
When will physicians feel safe seeking mental health care?
American Medical Association
by Tanya Albert Henry
February 24, 2025
This article explores the ongoing efforts to create a safer environment for physicians to prioritize their well-being and highlights additional steps needed to ensure they can access the mental health support they deserve without stigma or fear.
Impaired Physicians – Health Problems Aren't Just for Patients
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) - ASA Monitor
by Zachary Deutch, MD, FASA, and Michael G. Fitzsimons, MD
January 2025
The “Ask the Expert” column published in the American Society of Anesthesiologists January 2025, edition of the Monitor, reports on the topic of Impaired Physicians – Health Problems Aren’t Just for Patients. Dr. Fitzsimmons, the current Chair of the ASA Advisory Group on Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Co-Chair of the ASA Working Group on Physician Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, has a very reparative mindset.
The ASAM Criteria 4th Edition - Chapter entitled: Supporting Patients Working in Safety-Sensitive Occupations
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
Paul H. Earley, MD, DFASAM, Michael J. Baron, MD, MPH, DFASAM, FAPA, and Alexandria G. Polles, MD, FASAM
2024
A comprehensive set of guidelines that use a holistic, person-centered approach to developing treatment plans for patients with addiction and co-occurring conditions. The revised standards have been crafted using a rigorous methodology for scientific evidence review and consensus development. The result is an update that is easier to understand and apply for improved patient care.
ASAM has graciously responded to FSPHP’s request and has provided each FSPHP State Voting Member with a complimentary print copy of this publication and a 20% discount to all other FSPHP members.
ASAM Principles of Addiction Medicine 7th edition - Chapter entitled: Addiction Among Physicians and Physician Health Programs*
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
Paul H. Earley, MD, DFASAM and Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, FASAM
ASAM provided free access to this chapter to FSPHP State Voting Members.
*Members will be required to log-into to access this page and then provide the appropriate code to access this chapter.
State Voting Members can email [email protected] for more information and to receive the access code.
ASAM’s Principles of Addiction Medicine 7th edition
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
2024
Prepared for physicians in internal medicine, psychiatry, and nearly every medical specialty, the 7th edition is the most comprehensive publication in addiction medicine. It offers detailed information to help physicians navigate addiction treatment for all patients, not just those seeking treatment for substance use disorders. Published by the American Society of Addiction Medicine and edited by Shannon C. Miller, MD, Richard N. Rosenthal, MD, Sharon Levy, MD, Andrew J. Saxon, MD, Jeanette M. Tetrault, MD, and Sarah E. Wakeman, MD.
The Role & Success of Physician and Healthcare Professional Programs
National Medical Association (NMA) - NMA Advocate
Linda Bresnahan, MS
September 2024
This article provides a review of the PHP model, the structure, and key functions that contribute to unprecedented outcomes for mental health including substance use disorder for healthcare professionals.
Physician Wellness Programs and Physician Health Programs - A Powerful Partnership
LifeBridge Tool Kit
by Chris Bundy, MD, MPH
September 2024
This article focuses on how Physician Health Programs and Physician Wellness Programs can work together successfully.
How to Overcome Early Career Physician Setbacks & Thrive in Recovery
Rethinking Residency
by Courtney Barrows McKeown, MD
January 2024
A compelling story, that provides a first-hand account of the challenges of an early career physician, and how they were overcome.
Chapter entitled: Fitness for Duty for the Encyclopedia of the Neurological Sciences, third edition
Reference Collection in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology
by Ciaran Michael Considinea, PhD, A.J. Reid Finlayson, MD, MMHC, and Michael Baron, MD, MPH, DFASAM, FAPA
2023
Written for neurologists who specialize in Fitness for Duty evaluations of health professionals, the chapter describes the key considerations for these FFD evaluations for safety-sensitive workers, which include physicians and other licensed health professionals.
The Whole Physician: Physicians with Substance Use Disorder: Help Is Available
Practical Neurology
by Joseph A. Hirsch, PhD; Steven Mandel, MD; Linda R. Bresnahan, MS; Christina M. Puchalski, MD; Jonathan Avery, MD; Keith A. Nichols, MD; Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, FASAM
November 2023
An article highlighting the PHP support that is available for physicians with substance use disorder, allowing them to return to health and their profession.
RIs Physician Health Program: Serving practitioners for more than four decades
Rhode Island Medical Journal
by Mary Korr
November 2023
Rhode Island Medical Society's Physician Health Program (RIPHP) Director Kathleen Boyd, MSW, LICSW, and Herbert “Dr. Rak” Rakatansky, MD and the work they have done and continue to do for the RIPHP are featured in this article in the Rhode Island Medical Journal.
Physician Burnout and Career Fatigue Part III
Burnout and Mental Health Stigma on Physician Licensing, Credentialing, and Privileging
American Bar Association
by Sun W. Vega, Daniel Blaney-Koen and Tyler Cowart
September 2023
Out of the shadows: Physicians share their mental health struggles
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) - AAMC News
by Stacy Weiner
March 28, 2023
One physician in this article shares that with the help of her department, she connected with the state physician health program, the organization that provides confidential assessments and resources for providers. Seeking help did not affect her medical license, and she returned to practice after the PHP cleared her. Doctors face high rates of mental health challenges, but they often hide their stories due to shame and fear of professional fallout. Four physicians reveal their journeys in the hopes of reducing stigma and inspiring others to seek care.
Physician Health Programs: Changing the Culture of Medicine
Medical Professional Liability Association - Inside Medical Liability
by Amy Buttell
Second quarter 2022
One of the easiest, most effective ways to support physicians with mental health issues, including addiction, is utilizing PHP services. PHPs are organizations that provide confidential support and advocacy for physicians and other healthcare professionals who suffer from potentially impairing health conditions including addiction, psychiatric illness, nonpsychiatric medical conditions, cognitive disorders, and workplace-related stress and burnout.
FSPHP Responds to Article on Treatment of Health Professionals with Opioid Use Disorder
October 4, 2022
The Federation of State Physician Health Programs, INC (FSPHP) President, Dr. Scott Hambleton, President-elect, Dr. Michael Baron, and former FSPHP President Dr. Chris Bundy respond to a recent article published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine on the treatment of health professionals with opioid use disorder (OUD).
The initial article, “Helping the Helpers — making access to buprenorphine a new standard of care for physicians in state monitoring programs,” was published in the July 2022 issue of the Journal. Its authors make the case that the Federation of State Medical Board’s (FSMB) recommendations concerning the use of buprenorphine for physicians in state-affiliated monitoring programs fall short of effectively permitting an evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder. Drs. Hambleton, Bundy, and Baron call attention to the article’s omission of relevant references including the FSPHP Position Statement, FSPHP Safety Considerations for Medication Treatment for Monitored Health Professional, and the FSMB Policy on Physician Illness and Impairment – A Model to Optimize Patient Safety and Physician Health.
In summary, the response states that “Treatment of safety-sensitive workers with OUD is challenging, and neither a prohibition against the use of buprenorphine nor a mandate for its use is appropriate. Physician Health Programs must effectively manage the complex issues related to licensure and fitness for duty for safety-sensitive workers. Physician Health Programs save careers and lives. Addressing the education gap regarding PHP services can help to reduce stigma and incentivize early treatment and may serve as a model for helping all patients with addiction.
Read the original article in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.
Read the FSPHP Letter to the Editor.
Read the original author’s response to the FSPHP letter.
How Doctors with Addiction Heal and Return to Practice
Medscape Medical News
by Andrea Goto
August 12, 2022
Journalist, Andrea Goto, reached out to FSPHP with the most admirable goal to show physicians a way to recover by example, and to meaningfully and accurately describe PHPS, and FSPHP. This Medscape article includes a useful succinct overview of the issue and helps physicians understand the resources of PHPS, and a path toward a return to practice, with hyperlinks, and references.
Physician Health Programs are Essential for Protecting Public Health
Psychiatry & Behavioral Health Learning Network - Addiction Professional
by Charles Smith, DO
December 15, 2021
Charles Smith, DO, an addictionologist describes in this issue of Addiction Professional how PHPs are “accessible, affordable, and overwhelmingly successful. They’re discreet and easy to manage alongside the demands of a busy medical career.”
‘Why Do I Put My Life on the Line?’ Pandemic Trauma Haunts Health Workers
Stateline
by Christine Vestal
March 2021
Dr. Christopher Bundy, FSPHP President offers PHPs as a resource for those seeking help following the psychologic impact of burnout and exhaustion from the pandemic “Physician Health Programs, are an anonymous, trusted source that medical professionals in every state can call on if they want to talk or get a confidential referral." He offers the hope that what will come next are changes in dialogue around physician’s vulnerability and wellness, increasing the need to seek help and for there to be changes in the environment so that its sustainable. .
Caring for the Physician Affected by Substance Use Disorder
American Academy of Family Physicians
by Ruchi M. Fitzgerald, MD, FAAFP
March 2021
Authored by FSPHP Member, Dr. Ruchi Fitzgerald with acknowledgment to Dr. Chris Bundy, FSPHP President for his review, this article is an impactful case scenario of a physician with substance use disorder seeking care and finding recovery with shared decision making involving the expertise of a Physician Health Program, and a family physician. She summarizes the barriers to care, along with the more devasting consequences of a physicians not seeking care and losing their license or other life dysfunction or worse, risk of suicide. Excellent and actionable “follow-up” tips are provided as well, along with powerful references.
Adaptations to Substance Use Disorder Monitoring by Physician Health Programs in Response to COVID-19*
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
by Alexis Polles, Christopher Bundy, William Jacobs, Lisa J. Merlo
February 2021
In this article authored by FSPHP Board Member, Dr. Alexis Polles (FL), FSPHP President, Dr. Chris Bundy (WPHP), FSPHP Associate Member, Dr. William Jacobs, and Chair of the FSPHP Research Committee, Dr. Lisa Merlo (FL), describe how PHPs work to adjust their services at a time of need, and how “The future of SUD monitoring for health professionals will almost certainly be characterized by greater flexibility, choice, and shared decision-making between the PHP and physician participant, so long as recovery support, accountability, and patient safety are not compromised.”
Doctors’ Exemplary Treatment Success Occurs Absent High Use of Buprenorphine
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Weekly
by Gary Enos
May 11, 2020
“Physicians experience some of the most noteworthy recovery success rates among professional groups, largely because of the presence of physician health programs (PHPs) that offer a treatment-focused alternative to discipline while still protecting public safety.”
Personal Privacy Versus Public Safety: Addiction Among Health Professionals
The Carlat Addiction Treatment Report
March 2020
An Expert Q&A with Dr. Paul Earley in which he discusses the balance between confidentiality and patient safety, the role of Physician Health Programs (PHPs), and how these programs collaborate with medical boards.
Healthcare Professionals’ Mental Health Needs: Where Can They Go?
The Rural Monitor
by Kay Miller Temple, MD
January 29, 2020
This is the second in a two-part series on rural physician and provider behavioral health.
Professional Duties Require Physicians to Recognize and Address Physician Illness and Impairment, but It Is Often Difficult to Recognize a Colleague's Condition and Find an Appropriate Way of Reporting and Resolving It
I.M. Matters from ACPTM
by Mollie Frost
September 2019
Beyond “Heal Thyself”: Physicians as Patients—An Uneasy Role
Annals of Internal Medicine
by Jeffrey H. Samet, MD, MA, MPH; Jane Liebschutz, MD, MPH
June 18, 2019
A position paper addressing physician impairment and rehabilitation.
Physician Impairment and Rehabilitation: Reintegration Into Medical Practice While Ensuring Patient Safety: A Position Paper From the American College of Physicians
Annals of Internal Medicine
by Philip J. Candilis, MD; Daniel T. Kim, MA, MPH; Lois Snyder Sulmasy, JD; for the ACP Ethics, Professionalism and Human Rights Committee
June 18, 2019
Five Things to Know About...Physician Suicide
Canadian Medical Association Journal
by Joy Albuquerque MD MSc, Sarah Tulk MD MSc
May 6, 2019
Top Doctor Opioid Addict – Recovers and Returns to Medicine
Marie Claire
by Kayla Webley Adler
February 25, 2019
Opioids have become a full-blown national crisis of epidemic proportions, killing 130 people each day. Drug overdose is now the number-one cause of death for Americans under 50. One doctor at the top of her game—who knew the risks better than anyone—almost became another statistic.
Interaction Between PHPs and Training Programs: Disruptive Behavior in Residents
Colorado Physician Health Program
by Donald A. Misch, MD
June 30, 2018
Investing in Physicians' Well-Being is Just Good Business
American Medical Association
by Tanya Albert Henry
December 27, 2017
Physician Health Programs and the Social Contract
AMA Journal of Ethics
by Philip J. Candilis, MD
January 2016
Podcasts & Videos
CBS Mornings Plus segment featuring Physician Health Programs
CBS Mornings Plus
October 2025
CBS Mornings Plus featured the vital work of State Physician Health Programs (PHPs), which help doctors recover from substance use and mental health challenges while protecting patient safety. The segment follows surgeon Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown, who shared her courageous story of recovery and return to practice — showing that with the right structure, support, and accountability, healing is possible. As she put it, “I’m a better surgeon, doctor, wife, daughter, sister — you name it — than I ever was before.” FSPHP Chief Medical Officer Dr. Chris Bundy also reminded viewers: “A monitored physician is a safe doctor.”
These programs have quietly helped thousands of physicians find lasting recovery, reduce stigma, and continue serving patients safely. We encourage you to share this story with your networks to help raise awareness and support compassionate, evidence-based approaches to physician health and well-being.
FSPHP Video: Trusted Help for Healthcare Professionals
Federation of State Physician Health Programs
September 2025
This video highlights the critical role of Physician Health Programs (PHPs) and how they support the health and well-being of healthcare professionals. This powerful piece features inspiring stories from PHP program graduates and heartfelt reflections from the Federation of State Physician Health Program leaders across the country. Together, they share how PHPs provide hope, healing, and a path forward, providing reassurance of safe practice and promoting workforce sustainability.
Congressional Briefing on Health Worker Wellbeing
Federation of State Physician Health Programs
June 2025
On June 12, 2025 on Capitol Hill, the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP) proudly stood alongside nurses, doctors, and mental health advocates at the Healthcare is Human congressional briefing—an emotional and bipartisan event that shed urgent light on the mental health crisis facing our healthcare workforce. At the heart of the discussion was the reauthorization of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act (H.R.929/S.266)—legislation aimed at ending the stigma around seeking help and expanding access to mental health services for health professionals. Led by actor and producer Noah Wyle (The Pitt) the conversation was powerful, emotional, and bipartisan. Noah’s tribute to his mother, a nurse, and his heartfelt commitment to advocating for mental health in healthcare professionals drew standing applause.
FSPHP & FSMB Joint Session Video – Confidentiality, Safety, Collaboration, and Care in a Physician’s Journey
Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) & FSPHP Joint Session at the FSMB 2025 Annual Meeting
April 2025
The joint session of the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP) and the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) reveals the life-saving impact of Physician Health Programs (PHPs) and makes a compelling case for broader reform. It highlights how compassionate, confidential, and continuous care not only transforms but often saves physicians' lives—raising critical questions about why this model isn’t more widely available. Speakers are Michael Baron, MD, MPH, DFASAM, FAPA, FSPHP President, Medical Director of Tennessee Medical Foundation's Physician Health Program and Stephen Loyd, MD, President of TN Board of Medical Examiners, Chair of TN Opioid Abatement Council, CMO of Cedar Recovery, Advocate for Action by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, an office of the President of the United States. Moderated by Katie L. Templeton, JD, FSMB Chair & Oklahoma Osteopathic.
The Importance of Physician Well-being and Mental Health Resources for DoctorsI
American Medical Association's podcast, #AMAUpdate
April 2025
Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, Chief Medical Officer of the Federation of State Physician Health Programs, highlights the critical role of PHPs in saving the lives and careers of healthcare professionals in this episode of the American Medical Association's podcast, #AMAUpdate. In this interview, Dr. Bundy discusses the importance of physician well-being, physician health programs, and mental health resources for doctors. He also outlines PHP’s advocacy efforts to remove language from medical credentialing applications that stigmatizes mental health and discourages physicians from seeking care.
Saving Lives - The Role of Physician Health Programs in Suicide Prevention
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and FSPHP
April 2025
This video highlights the collaborative efforts of the AFSP & FSPHP in supporting physicians, addressing mental health challenges, and driving critical suicide prevention initiatives—ultimately saving lives and fostering hope.
Protecting Health, Privacy & Patient Safety - The Role of Physician Health Programs and State Medical Boards
Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) & FSPHP Webinar
March 2025
Physician well-being is essential to a thriving healthcare system, yet many medical professionals hesitate to seek help due to fear of regulatory consequences. With rising rates of burnout, substance use disorders, and physician suicide, it is critical that regulatory bodies create pathways that encourage early intervention without compromising patient safety.
This session explores the concept of a "safe haven" within medical board regulatory systems—an approach that allows healthcare professionals to seek care for mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and other impairing conditions without immediate disciplinary action. During this session, attendees will hear from a physician who overcame addiction and now advocates for physician support systems. Her personal journey will provide a powerful perspective on the importance of safe haven policies and Physician Health Programs (PHPs) in breaking down barriers to care.
Supporting Physician Recovery with PHPs
Drug Diversion Insights with Terri Vidals
May 14, 2024
Featuring Michael Baron, MD, MPH, DFASAM, FAPA, Medical Director, Tennessee Medical Foundation - Physician's Health Program; Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, Executive Medical Director, Washington Physicians Health Program; and Linda Bresnahan, Executive Director, FSPHP, this episode tackles the crucial issue of physician recovery and the role of Physician Health Programs (PHPs) in their journey back to safe practice.
Podcast
Video
Unprecedented: A Candid Conversation about Physician Health Programs
American Conference on Physician Health; Palm Desert, California
October 2023
Carrie Cunningham, MD, MPH, a surgeon, and Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, a psychiatrist and nationally recognized expert in physician health, shatter stigma and shame by publicly revealing their personal stories of loss and redemption so that others may find hope and healing. Discover how physician health programs helped them, the unprecedented outcomes they achieve, the complex challenges that they face, and how you can partner with PHPs to save careers and lives.
Innovative Partnerships on Specialized Mental Health & SUD Care for Clinicians: A Look at Provider Health Programs: History of FSPHP and the Critical Role of PHPs
American Psychiatric Association
May 2023
This interview features a conversation with Linda Bresnahan, MS, Executive Director of FSPHP and Gaurava Agarwal, MD, Chief Wellness Executive at Northwestern Medicine and Expert Consultant on the Frontline Connect Initiative. During their conversation, Linda speaks about the history of FSPHP and the critical role that state PHPs play in increasing access to voluntary mental health care for frontline clinicians, including serving as safe, confidential resources for the profession. The discussion also focuses on key benefits and outcomes of PHPs, how PHPs and hospitals, health systems, and clinicians can work together, as well as their extensive process of outreach, education, and referral to evaluation and treatment, and monitoring of those providers who may be in recovery for a mental health or substance use disorder. Linda highlights recent changes and enhancements as PHPs increase the services they offer to clinicians.
Association for Academic Surgery (AAS) Presidential Address—Removing the Mask &
President Session - How Can We Help?
Academic Surgical Congress
2023
Dr. Chris Bundy shares more understanding of the role of PHPs with Joe Shapiro, MD, DABAM; Michael Maddus, MD; Colin West MD, PhD; Carrie Cunningham MD, MPH; and Sunil Geevarghese, MD, MSCI, FACS. The entire session is available here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=42yoYwZqRu8.
Wearing Masks I, II, and III
University of Maryland Medical System, Professional Assistance Committee
The objective of these programs is to help get those with substance use disorder into safe and confidential treatment. Each year sees the death of colleagues due to accidental overdose of powerful anesthesia-based drugs.
A Hard Pill to Swallow
SVMIC Podcast
2018
Along with host Brian Fortenberry, Dr. Stephen Loyd discusses his intimate struggle with opioid addiction. For three years, Dr. Loyd was addicted to painkillers while working as a physician. In one hand, he had everything anyone would want in life. In the other, a handful of pills. He discusses how finding the Tennessee Medical Foundation helped get him out of addiction.
Confessions of a Recovering Addict
SVMIC Podcast
2018
In this powerful episode, Dr. Bob shares his personal story with Brian. Dr. Bob has struggled with alcohol and drug addictions since his early youth all the way through medical school and well into his practice.
Physician Suicide
A CMAJ Podcast from the Canadian Medical Association Journal
2019
In this interview, Dr. Joy Albuquerque and Dr. Sarah Tulk talk about physician suicide, the only cause of death more common in physicians than the general public. They discuss factors that can lead to suicide and suicidal ideation (such as regulatory complaints, mental illness, culture in medicine), and they talk about what can be done to prevent this occupational health hazard. They also discuss how suicidal physicians face unique barriers to care, including concerns regarding confidentiality and discrimination.
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