CBS Mornings Plus recently featured the vital work of State Physician Health Programs (PHPs) in a powerful national segment highlighting physician recovery, safety, and hope.

The story features Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director for the Washington Physicians Health Program and the Chief Medical Officer for the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP), and offers a rare and compassionate look at how PHPs help physicians facing substance use and mental health challenges recover and safely return to practice. It underscores an important truth we all share – physicians are human too, and with structured, confidential support, recovery is possible.

The segment also includes Dr. Courtney Barrows McKeown, whose decision to share her personal recovery story as a practicing surgeon represents extraordinary bravery and is among the first of its kind. Her openness helps reduce stigma and encourages others to seek help.

This national coverage reinforces the mission of FSPHP and the organization’s members in:

• Improving physician well-being through early intervention, treatment, and an intensive, accountable approach to care – often described as the chronic disease management model for recovery – PHPs help medical professionals heal, sustain their health, and return to safe, effective practice.
• Protecting patient safety by ensuring physicians in recovery are supported and closely monitored.
• Reducing stigma around physician mental health and substance use through transparency and education.

We invite you to watch the CBS Mornings Plus feature here.