The Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) recently hosted the 31^st Annual WPHP Reunion from September 19-20, 2026, in Seattle, Wash. Each year, WPHP participants, alumni, staff, members of the Board of Directors, and their loved ones gather in a unique setting to support one another in their professional and personal journeys. This one-of-a-kind event encourages attendees to slow down, connect with and lean on a community that understands their experiences, and return home feeling renewed and inspired.

This year’s Reunion program featured several renowned guest speakers and experts in their fields. CE credits were available for attending the educational presentations.

Trauma-Informed Care and Trauma-Informed Leadership

Sadie Elisseou, MD, presented “Trauma-Informed Care for Patients and Clinician Well-Being” and led a workshop on implementing these findings in a patient exam. Dr. Elisseou is a physician at Mass General Brigham, faculty member at Harvard Medical School, and internationally recognized expert in trauma-informed care.

Presentation learning objectives included:

1. Distinguishing between stress, burnout, moral injury, and trauma
2. Defining SAMHSA’s 4 Rs and 6 principles of trauma-informed care
3. Understanding key principles of communicating in a manner that is sensitive, particularly for those with a trauma history
4. Reviewing examples of trauma-informed language and behaviors that should be utilized during the physical examination
5. Discussing strategies to mitigate vicarious trauma and nurture clinician thriving

Epidemiology of Addiction & Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Families with Addiction

Vita McCabe, MD, MHSA, and Sean Esteban McCabe, PhD, co-presented “Recovery Capital and Co-Occurring Detours.” Dr. Vita McCabe is a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Addiction Treatment Services at the University of Michigan Medical School. Dr. Sean Esteban McCabe is a Professor of Health Behavior and Clinical Sciences and Director of the Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health at the University of Michigan School of Nursing.

Presentation learning objectives included:

1. Understanding the epidemiological trajectories of substance use from adolescence to midlife, and what predicts who stays on which road
2. Understanding the diagnosis, heritability, risk and treatment of ADHD at its intersection with substance use disorder — including what treatment does and does not do to later risk
3. Understanding the scale of risk to children in the United States, what that risk actually is, and which mitigation strategies have evidence behind them
4. Understanding relationship building as both prevention and protection — the measurable core of recovery capital

Mindfulness and Movement

Mindfulness Northwest instructor Catherine Duffy led two sessions titled “At Home in the Body: Mindful Movement and Self-Compassion” and “Moving with Kindness: Mindful Movement and Embodied Awareness.” Drawing from somatic practice, these sessions incorporated mindful movement to encourage body awareness, presence, self-trust, and nervous system support. Ms. Duffy has trained extensively in mindfulness practices, with certifications in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Self-Compassion.

Powerful Personal Stories

Throughout the weekend, attendees heard impactful personal stories of recovery, courage, and hope. Program participants, alumni, and key supports formed a panel to share what brought them to WPHP, the highlights and challenging aspects of their journeys, and messages of encouragement. Drs. Vita and Sean Esteban McCabe shared how addiction impacted their lives, influenced their career paths, and informs their marriage and family.

Support Meetings for All

During the Reunion, recovery meetings are held concurrently so attendees can join the meeting that best fits their needs. This year’s recovery meetings included:

• Open Recovery: held in the tradition of 12-step meetings, individuals from all recovery traditions and communications are welcome
• Family/Key Support Recovery: held in the tradition of Al-Anon meetings, all who have been affected by another’s addiction are welcome
• Refuge Recovery: a community of people who use the Buddhist-oriented, non-theistic practices of mindfulness, compassion, forgiveness, and generosity to heal the pain and suffering that addiction has caused in their lives and the lives of their loved ones

Hear from Reunion Attendees

“WPHP has been amazingly supportive. That’s why I’ve been coming back since 1992.” -WPHP Participant

“I consider it a great privilege to continue practicing medicine, and am grateful for the huge role WPHP plays in keeping me accountable, ensuring I can practice with skill and safety, and advocating for me. A new term I learned today: I’m grateful for the recovery capital WPHP is helping me build!” -WPHP Participant

“My experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I feel supported and championed in my recovery and profession.” -WPHP Participant

Reunion Scholarships

Thanks to our generous donors, WPHP has scholarship funds available to fully underwrite first-time attendees and assist returning attendees experiencing financial hardship. This year, 38 program participants and key supports were able to attend the Reunion with the help of scholarships.

Looking Ahead to Next Year

To receive updates about the 32^nd Annual WPHP Reunion in 2027, please subscribe to our Physician Health Focus Newsletter. If you are a WPHP participant, alumni, or key support eligible to attend, we hope to see you there!