Need assistance or ready to help a physician in need?
Need assistance or ready to help a physician in need?
Our latest news and updates from the Washington Physicians Health Program team. For an archive of relevant resources on a wide variety of health topics, please visit Research & Studies.
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.
Read More
On March 18th, as we honor Health Workforce Well-Being Day and the critical need to address physician burnout, mental health struggles, and stress, we must reflect on the steps we can take to make meaningful change.
We invite Washington healthcare professionals who are invested in the mission of physician well-being to consider joining us in Seattle for the FSPHP 2025 Conference and Annual Membership Meeting – Health Professional Wellbeing: Aligning Safety, Supports, and Confidentiality, from April 23-26, 2025.
This event brings together Physician Health Programs (PHPs), healthcare leaders, physicians, and stakeholders nationwide who are dedicated to improving the well-being of the healthcare workforce.
PHPs, like Washington Physicians Health Program, are essential allies in this mission. PHPs provide confidential care backed by legislative protections, supporting physicians as they navigate mental health challenges while safeguarding both their careers and patient safety. With the power of peer support, we help physicians restore their lives and careers—often coming back stronger and more fulfilled than before.
Register today to attend the FSPHP Annual Meeting and be part of this critical conversation. Let’s collaborate to ensure that our healthcare systems are built on a foundation of safety, support, and well-being for physicians and the patients they care for.
Together, we can build a future where physician health is a priority, and healthcare professionals have the support they need to thrive.
Read More
Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Director of the Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP), attended the 2025 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Annual Educational Conference on Feb. 20-22 in Nashville, Tenn. As the world’s largest Graduate Medical Education (GME) conference, this event is a special opportunity for attendees to engage in educational sessions and strengthen professional connections in the field of academic medicine.
This year’s conference theme, “Meaning in Medicine,” highlighted the importance of aligning personal and professional values, promoting well-being, and fostering collaboration within the healthcare community.
In support of this theme, Dr. Bundy presented “Physician Health Programs and GME: A Candid Conversation,” featuring panelists Courtney Barrows McKeown, MD, a surgeon and physician in recovery, and Cindy Hamra, JD, MA, Associate Dean of the University of Washington GME. This inspiring session gave attendees a rare opportunity to hear the personal stories of physicians who have lived experience of addiction and recovery. It also illuminated best practices, opportunities for improvement, and advocacy targets that can help GME and PHP programs deliver on a promise of hope and healing while mitigating the risk of adverse professional consequences that can discourage residents from seeking and accepting help when needed.
During the “Review of the 2024 ACGME Well-Being Symposium: Charting New Directions for GME” session, ACGME shared key outcomes from the symposium, which Dr. Bundy attended last November. One key outcome was the formation of several Well-Being Affinity Groups that will convene throughout the next year to identify resources to support resident well-being. Dr. Bundy will lead the Access the Mental Health Care Affinity Group and attend a summit of Affinity Group Leaders at ACGME’s office in Chicago in fall 2025.
Dr. Bundy also attended resident well-being sessions that raised awareness about PHPs as a critical resource for GME and program directors in supporting residents in crisis.
This conference was a valuable opportunity for WPHP to connect with colleagues representing the University of Washington GME, Seattle Children’s GME, and Valley Medical Center GME. Alongside Linda Bresnahan, MS, FSPHP Executive Director, Dr. Bundy met Dr. Debra Weinstein, the new ACGME President and CEO. They also met with Dr. Humayun Chaudhry, MD, CEO of the Federation of State Medical Boards, and several members of the ACGME Leadership Team and Board of Directors.
The conference insights and connections with ACGME Wellness Leaders will further enhance WPHP’s work supporting medical professionals across Washington.
Photo (from left to right): Cindy Hamra, JD, MA, Associate Dean of the University of Washington GME; Courtney Barrows McKeown, MD; and Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, FASAM.
Read More
Dr. Chris Bundy, WPHP’s Executive Medical Director and FSPHP’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Art Hengerer, FSPHP Board of Directors, and Linda Bresnahan, MS, FSPHP’s Executive Director, were invited to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) 2024 Symposium on Physician Well-Being, held November 18-20, 2024.
Their focus was on raising awareness and understanding of the vital role that Physician Health Programs (PHPs) play in promoting physician well-being. The goal of the symposium was to partner with guests who specialized in the physician health and well-being space to review and discuss the progress and impact of the well-being movement within graduate medical education (GME) since 2015.
Attendees were charged to identify successful strategies and initiatives that have effectively contributed to improving the well-being of medical trainees, faculty, and staff. The symposium further challenged attendees to define the future ideal states for both the GME clinical learning environment and the individuals within it, explore the well-being focus, and propose actionable strategies for future enhancements.
Pictured (from left to right): Dr. Stuart Slavin, ACGME; Dr. Carol Bernstein, ACGME; Linda Bresnahan, MS, FSPHP; Dr. Tim Brigham, ACGME; Dr. Chris Bundy, WPHP and FSPHP; and Dr. Art Hengerer.
Read More
WPHP is excited to share key updates and advancements for 2024. These efforts highlight our commitment to supporting Washington’s medical professionals and enhancing the services we provide.
This year, WPHP launched a Strategic Communications Plan, updating our mission, vision, and values to better reflect our role in the medical community. WPHP has also increased communications and revamped our outreach efforts to raise visibility about our program and services.
The new Quality Assurance Team has streamlined operations, improving efficiency for staff and participants alike. Notably, the team has pioneered innovations in toxicology testing, further enhancing the quality of our services.
In news regarding WPHP leadership, Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director, has been appointed the first-ever Chief Medical Officer for the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP), a significant milestone for both Dr. Bundy and WPHP. Dr. Bundy will be serving in a consulting capacity for FSPHP as he continues his full-time role as WPHP’s Executive Medical Director.
WPHP also continues its advocacy efforts, pushing for reforms in licensing and credentialing while protecting medical professionals’ privacy under the public records act.
These developments underscore WPHP’s dedication to supporting the health and well-being of medical professionals across Washington. For a more detailed look into these updates and the ongoing work at WPHP, click the link below for the full article.
Read More
Washington Physicians Health Program’s Executive Medical Director, Dr. Chris Bundy, has been appointed to serve on the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP) leadership team as the organization’s first-ever Chief Medical Officer (CMO). This new role marks a significant milestone for FSPHP, reflecting its growth and commitment to sustained leadership in physician health.
About Dr. Chris Bundy
Dr. Chris Bundy brings a wealth of experience to the CMO role as the Executive Medical Director of WPHP and a Past President of the FSPHP. He also holds academic positions as a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at both the University of Washington School of Medicine and the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University. Dr. Bundy is board certified in adult and geriatric psychiatry and addiction medicine. His career includes notable roles such as Mental Health Service Chief and Chief of Psychiatry at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System. Dr. Bundy draws on his extensive experience as a healthcare leader, medical educator, and physician in recovery to support education and advocacy efforts related to physician health and well-being. For his impactful work, he was honored with the 2021 President’s Unsung Hero Award from the Washington State Medical Association.
FSPHP’s Growth and Need for a CMO
Since 2016, FSPHP’s national presence has grown significantly. The organization has been invited by prominent entities to review their policies on physician health, attend national conferences, and coordinate advocacy efforts. FSPHP has also proactively reached out to national organizations to support its initiatives. Recognizing the need for sustained leadership, the FSPHP Board has established the CMO consulting position to ensure continuity in relationships and initiatives.
Dr. Bundy’s Role and Responsibilities
As the CMO, Dr. Bundy will join FSPHP’s elected physician leaders, who play crucial roles in cultivating partnerships, fostering relationship building, and institutional learning. Many partner organizations have physicians in executive staff roles, and Dr. Bundy’s qualifications make him an ideal fit for this position.
The CMO’s Responsibilities Will Include:
Looking Ahead
Dr. Bundy’s appointment as the first-ever CMO of FSPHP is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field of physician health. His leadership will undoubtedly advance FSPHP’s mission and strengthen its impact on physician well-being.
Join us in congratulating Dr. Bundy in his new role and celebrating this significant step forward with FSPHP!
Read the full news release from the FSPHP
Read More
We are excited to share that WPHP’s Dr. Chris Bundy and Dr. Laura Moss have each received a prestigious 2024 Board of Directors Service Award from the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP) during the FSPHP 2024 Education Conference.
Scott Hambleton, MD, DFASAM, Chair of the Mississippi Physician Health Committee and Immediate Past President of FSPHP, remarked, “Congratulations to the FSPHP 2024 Award Recipients! These exceptional individuals are dedicated to advancing the well-being and professional success of our nation’s medical professionals. Through their unwavering commitment and expertise, they contribute significantly to improving healthcare outcomes and fostering a supportive environment within the medical community.”
“All of our esteemed FSPHP Board Members and member volunteers bring unparalleled dedication and expertise to their roles and are committed to advancing FSPHP’s mission to support physician health programs in improving the health of medical professionals, thereby contributing to quality patient care,” said Michael Baron, MD, MPH, DFASAM, DAPA, Medical Director of the Tennessee Medical Foundation – Physician’s Health Program and newly appointed President of FSPHP.
Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director at WPHP and a Past President of the Federation of State Physician Health Programs, received the honor for his exceptional leadership in physician health. This recognition underscores his exemplary dedication and outstanding contributions to advocacy for physician well-being. Dr. Bundy has left an indelible mark on the realm of physician health with his tireless commitment to improving the well-being of healthcare professionals through shaping policies and practices in the medical community.
Dr. Laura Moss, Associate Medical Director at WPHP and the current Western Region Director at FSPHP, has been a driving force in promoting physician wellness. Dr. Moss’s tenure has been marked by her steadfast dedication and proactive efforts to advance physician well-being. Her leadership on the board reflects her deep understanding of the challenges facing healthcare professionals and her commitment to finding innovative solutions to promote their health.
These awards recognize the efforts of Dr. Bundy and Dr. Moss in advancing the mission of the FSPHP. Their service and dedication have been instrumental in fostering environments where physicians can thrive, both personally and professionally.
Read More
At the April 2024 Federation of Physician Health Programs Annual Education Conference in Nashville, the spotlight was on enhancing the effectiveness of professional health programs through collaboration to improve health and well-being. Among the key highlights were discussions on leveraging PHPs to support physician well-being, collaborative efforts with graduate medical education, managing co-occurring conditions, neurocognitive testing, and the nuances surrounding ADHD diagnoses in healthcare professionals.
Embracing the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Program:
A notable emphasis was placed on adopting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Program as a model for PHPs to effectively support physician well-being and prevent suicides. This approach highlights the importance of proactive intervention and fostering a supportive environment within healthcare communities.
Collaborative Initiatives with Graduate Medical Education:
The collaboration between PHPs and graduate medical education was highlighted as a promising avenue for addressing physician wellness. By integrating PHP resources and expertise into medical training programs, future healthcare professionals can be better equipped to recognize and address mental health challenges early on in their careers.
Managing Co-occurring Conditions:
Dr. Moss from WPHP presented on managing co-occurring conditions which shed light on the complexities involved in treating physicians with multiple health concerns simultaneously. This underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery that considers both physical and mental well-being.
Insights from Neuropsychological Testing:
Attendees were treated to an excellent presentation on neuropsychological testing and its role in assessing cognitive function and identifying potential areas of impairment. Such testing can provide valuable insights into an individual’s neurological health and aid in the development of tailored treatment plans.
Addressing ADHD Diagnosis in Health Professionals:
The prevalence and pitfalls of ADHD diagnosis in health professionals were explored, drawing attention to the challenges of distinguishing between symptoms of ADHD and those of occupational stress or burnout. This underscores the need for careful evaluation and personalized management approaches when assessing ADHD in healthcare settings.
The FSPHP Annual Education Conference provided a platform for insightful discussions and practical strategies aimed at enhancing physician well-being and preventing suicides. By embracing collaborative initiatives, leveraging evidence-based programs, and staying abreast of emerging trends in mental health assessment and treatment, PHPs can play a pivotal role in supporting the health of healthcare professionals.
Read More
The Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP) Annual Education Conference is a highly anticipated event that brings together experts, advocates, and stakeholders in the field of physician health. This year’s conference, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was no exception. WPHP’s participation in the conference was multifaceted, reflecting the organization’s commitment to advancing the field of physician health through expertise, innovation, and advocacy.
A major highlight for WPHP was the development of an alternative toxicology testing paradigm. At the 2022 FSPHP Education Conference, WPHP presented innovative approaches to toxicology testing that utilized technological advances in specimen collection and validation systems. This year, Dr. Bundy and Ms. Courtney Strong returned to the conference to present follow-up data and answer questions, helping to improve toxicology testing for other programs.
Dr. Bundy also joined panelists J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA, Scott Hambleton, MD, DFASAM, Michael Baron, MD, MPH, DFASAM, to discuss the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation’s mission to support the well-being of healthcare workers at the conference.
In addition, Dr. Bundy participated in the FSMB-FSPHP joint session where he and co-presenter Mike Farrell, JD, Policy Director at WMC, highlighted the collaborative effort between WMC and WPHP. In doing so WPHP and WMC aim to inspire and encourage other states to establish similar coordinated relationships.
Another area of focus during the conference was the presentation by Dr. Bundy, along with Dr. Michael Baron and Buddy Stockwell III, JD, on Medication for Opioid Use Disorder in Safety Sensitive Workers. Their presentation drew on their extensive knowledge and experience to provide insights on this important topic.
WPHP’s involvement in the FSPHP Annual Education Conference was not limited to presentations and panels. The organization also took the opportunity to connect with fellow experts and advocates, building partnerships and networks that will strengthen the field of physician health to improve outcomes for physicians and patients alike.
Read More
Physician burnout, psychiatric problems, and substance use disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent. However, the costs of recovery for physicians enrolled in Physician Health Programs (PHPs) remain unexamined. This survey study published in The American Journal on Addictions recent article sheds light on the financial strain on physicians, especially those in training, and highlights resources for financial assistance such as fee deferrals and sliding scale fees. It’s crucial that access to PHPs is available, destigmatized, and affordable for all physicians.
Read More
WPHP works to protect and enhance the confidentiality of our participants. We’ve compiled a list to highlight some of the hard work we’ve done over the past year.
Recently, Dr. Bundy interviewed with InvestigateTV to explain how confidentiality for physicians translates to safer care for patients.
A few weeks ago, in partnership with the Washington State Medical Association and the Washington Medical Commission, WPHP was successful in preserving an important protection for participant confidentiality in the public records act.
WPHP introduced legislation in 2022 that adds enhanced confidentiality protections for program participants. SSB 5496 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.
In November 2021, WPHP worked closely with the Washington Medical Commission to remove licensure questions about health history, replacing them with an advisory that points to WPHP. The amended application only asks about current impairing or potentially impairing substance use that is not known to WPHP.
Read More
The Fall 2021 Issue of the Federation of State Physicians Health program Physician Health News features a moving message from Dr. Bundy.
Read More
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)/National Institutes of Health (NIH), in collaboration with the Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP), is conducting a research study to understand how neural circuitry and human physiology is changed by addiction and repaired by recovery. Our PHP follows your recovery status closely – we understand your journey in recovery better than any other set of people in the world. This cohort—YOU—are essential to the goal of this research study – to identify brain biomarkers of addiction and thus, optimize the efficacy of currently available therapeutics. Please contact Betty Jo Salmeron, M.D. at (443) 740-2651 or BSalmeron@nih.gov to learn more. More information about the study is here too: https://fsphp.memberclicks.net/how-php-participants-can-get-involved.
Read More
Thank you Federation of State Physician Health Programs, INC (FSPHP) for sharing this interview with Dr. Chris Bundy and others exploring burnout, the pandemic, and how PHPs can be a resource in times of need.
Read More
Don’t forget to register for FSPHP’s 2021 Virtual Education Conference!
Read More
In this Issue of Physician Health News, WPHP Executive Medical Director and FSPHP President, Dr. Chris Bundy, reflects on the silver linings and lessons learned from Covid-19 in 2020.
Read More
Congratulations to our Executive Medical Director, Dr. Chris Bundy, who recently began his two-year term as President of the Federation of State Physician Health Program.
Read More
FSPHP Immediate Past President, Dr. Paul Earley, was interviewed as part of the March issue of the Carlat Addiction Treatment Report’s article Personal Privacy Versus Public Safety: Addiction Among Health Professionals. This article explains the balance that PHPs must strike between protecting the doctor and protecting the public.
CARLAT VERDICT: “Physician health programs are highly successful and are the gold standard for abstinence-based treatment. Lessons can be gleaned from their structure and applied to other models, including the importance of a contingency management framework and long-term monitoring.”
Read More
The FSPHP Spring 2020 issue of Physician Health News is now available! This issue introduces our Executive Medical Director, Dr. Chris Bundy, as the 2020-2022 FSPHP President and includes a contribution from our Director of Program Development, Shea Scheuler.
Read More
The American Society of Addiction Medicine recently posted its updated Physician Health Statement, Physicians and Other Health Professionals with Addiction, this policy statement strongly endorses the Physician Health Program model and demonstrates the value of a collaborative relationship with our partners in organized medicine.
Congratulations to the Federation of State Physician Health Programs for their successful collaboration with ASAM on this important work!
Read MoreQuick Links