The Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) attended the 2025 Federation of State Physician Health Programs Annual Education Conference, April 23-26, in Seattle, Wash. More than 300 Physician Health Program (PHP) employees, healthcare leaders, physicians, and stakeholders nationwide gathered to discuss best practices and address challenges regarding the well-being of the healthcare workforce. The four-day event featured 20+ sessions on the conference theme, “Health Professional Wellbeing: Aligning Safety, Supports, and Confidentiality.” WPHP’s Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director, and Dr. Heather O’Brien, Clinical Coordinator, were among the esteemed speakers.  

The Importance of Language 

Presenters emphasized the influence that language can have on the public’s understanding of physician health topics. Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, identified safe messaging guidelines that healthcare professionals and organizations should use when communicating about a suicide loss. This language supports suicide prevention and promotes an overarching culture of respect. 

Dr. Bundy of WPHP encouraged PHPs to adopt language that reflects the cooperative relationship between PHPs and their participants rather than punitive terminology. Examples include “health support verification” rather than “monitoring,” “agreement” rather than “contract,” and “notify” rather than “report.” 

Developments in Neuropsychological Testing and Neurobiology  

Attendees learned how neuropsychological testing can reveal cognitive strengths and weaknesses and determine changes in functioning over time. This valuable information can guide treatment planning and return-to-work recommendations for healthcare practitioners.  

Dr. Petros Levounis, professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, presented newer concepts in the fundamental model of addiction including motivational circuitry, anti-reward pathways, and interoception. These discoveries are shaping the treatment of substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. 

The Past, Present, and Future of PHPs 

Dr. Bundy and Dr. Lynn Hankes, a Past President of FSPHP and WPHP Medical Director Emeritus, traced FSPHP’s evolution and accomplishments from 1990 to the present day. They recognized new participants in the Performance Enhancement and Effectiveness Review (PEER™) Program and Evaluation and Treatment Accreditation (FSPHP-ETA™) as well as discussing top achievements and challenges of PHPs. Dr. Bundy also presented findings from the 2023-2024 FSPHP PHP National Survey to provide an in-depth look at program structures, populations served, procedures, and policies from 50 PHPs nationwide. Findings from this survey will be released publicly soon. 

Supporting the Neurodiverse Medical Community 

Dr. O’Brien from WPHP and Dr. Lori Woehler, founder of Bellevue Psychotherapy, presented the importance of accurately assessing, effectively treating, and continuously monitoring neurodiverse conditions within the medical community. This session emphasized that cultural backgrounds can significantly influence the presentation and perception of neurodiverse conditions, as well as how they are experienced in medical training and professional practice.  

Inspiring Stories from PHP Alumni 

Throughout the week, PHP alumni shared their deeply personal stories and how participating in PHPs transformed their lives. Dr. Wirt Hines III discussed his journey, a moving portrayal of resilience and hope, at the Friday evening dinner event. At the FSPHP and Federation of State Medical Boards joint session, Dr. Stephen Loyd, President of the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners and Chief Medical Officer of Cedar Recovery, shared his inspiring firsthand experience and impact of PHPs on physician health. 

Dr. Bundy Receives FSPHP Award

Dr. Bundy was presented with the FSPHP Presidential Recognition Award at the conference opening ceremony. This award recognizes his exceptional contributions as an author and advocate for physician health. 

WPHP gained invaluable insights and established meaningful connections at the FSPHP Annual Education Conference. Collaborating with fellow PHPs and other physician health experts enhances all of our work supporting the health of healthcare professionals. 

Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, FASAM, presents “What We Were Like, What Happened, And What We Are Like Today: The History of the FSPHP” with Lynn Hankes, MD, FASAM.

Heather O’Brien, PsyD, presents “Neurodiversity – Assessment, Treatment, Monitoring Conditions Requiring Treatment.” 

Chris Bundy MD, MPH, FASAM, presents “Physician Health Programs: A Review of the Literature and Insights from the PHP National Survey” alongside Cristiana de Paula Araujo, PhD, Philip Hemphill, PhD, and Karen Miotto, MD.