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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 76th Annual International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous (IDAA) Conference was held in Spokane, Wash., from July 9 to 13, 2025. This year’s theme, “To Thine Own Self Be True,” encouraged healthcare professionals and their families to explore their authentic selves while deepening their commitments to recovery, self-awareness, and self-acceptance.
WPHP’s Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director, and Dr. Laura Moss, Associate Medical Director, enjoyed an array of insightful presentations on the latest findings in the field of addiction and practical recommendations for applying this research to recovery practices.
Finding Strength in Community
Since 1949, healthcare professionals and their families impacted by addiction have come together at the IDAA Conference to help one another maintain sobriety. With more than 9,900 healthcare professionals and their family members in the IDAA fellowship, this conference provided peer support rooted in understanding, compassion, and lived recovery. Dr. Bundy and Dr. Moss appreciated this opportunity to reunite with old friends and make new connections in the IDAA community.
Meetings and discussion groups were valuable opportunities to explore new aspects and ideas of recovery. Additionally, sessions tailored to attendees of various cultural and professional backgrounds facilitated meaningful connections among those with shared experiences and mutual understanding.
Following IDAA’s belief that addiction is a family disease, the conference provided dedicated sessions and activities for families, significant others, children, and teens. This inclusive model ensured that everyone affected by addiction felt welcomed and could receive the message of hope and healing.
The Impact of WPHP
Several attendees from across the country approached Dr. Bundy and Dr. Moss to express their gratitude for WPHP’s work in supporting healthcare professionals and advocating on their behalf. WPHP is thankful to IDAA for uniting healthcare professionals impacted by addiction through a powerful blend of education, recovery support, and fellowship. Together, we can continue to advance the health and well-being of the medical community.
Looking Ahead
Registration is now open for the 2026 Annual IDAA Conference! Join us in Chicago, Ill., from July 8 to 12, 2026, for a week of inspiration, connection, and deep peer fellowship. There’s nothing like the strength found in shared experience.
Featured photo (from left to right): Laura Moss, MD; Michelle Van Alst, Executive Director of IDAA; Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, FAPA, FASAM.
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WPHP was honored to participate in the 75th Annual International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous (IDAA) Conference held in beautiful Baltimore, Md., from July 10 to 14, 2024. This year’s theme, “Our Safe Harbor,” provided a perfect setting for healthcare professionals and their families to find solace, connection, and support in their recovery journeys.
Highlights from the Conference
At this milestone event, WPHP’s own Dr. Laura Moss and Dr. Chris Bundy delivered insightful presentations that resonated deeply with attendees.
Dr. Laura Moss presented on “Atypical & Designer Drugs,” shedding light on the complexities and challenges these substances pose in the field of addiction medicine. Her expertise and depth of knowledge provided valuable insights for those navigating the evolving landscape of substance use disorders.
Dr. Chris Bundy discussed the pivotal role of sponsorship in recovery. His presentation emphasized how sponsorship can foster connection, accountability, and resilience, highlighting the profound impact it can have on individuals striving for long-term recovery.
Celebrating Recovery
The IDAA Conference is more than just an educational event; it’s a celebration of the strength and resilience found within the recovery community. Participants had the unique opportunity to share their personal journeys, successes, and challenges in a supportive and understanding environment. Attendees experienced a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, reinforcing the importance of connection in the recovery process.
Meetings and discussion groups provided a platform for attendees to explore new tools and techniques for maintaining sobriety and managing the demands of their professional and personal lives. These sessions were designed to empower individuals with practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and enhancing their well-being.
Families played a significant role in the conference, with dedicated sessions and activities tailored to their needs. This inclusive approach ensured that everyone, from healthcare professionals to their loved ones, could find value and support. The conference fostered a sense of unity, demonstrating that recovery is a journey best taken together.
Additionally, the conference featured inspirational keynote speakers who shared their stories of hope and perseverance. These narratives not only motivated attendees but also highlighted the diverse pathways to recovery, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each person’s journey is unique, and every story of recovery contributes to the collective strength of the community.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusivity
IDAA is committed to recovery for all healthcare professionals and their families impacted by addictive disorders. The conference celebrated diversity and emphasized equity and inclusion for people from all racial, ethnic, cultural, sexual/gender, and spiritual identities. Multiple recovery pathways, beyond AA, were represented, fostering an inclusive and supportive community.
Looking Forward
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Annual IDAA Conference! Join us in Spokane, Washington, from July 9-13, 2025, as we continue to celebrate recovery, support one another, and learn more about the field of addiction medicine. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event in a new and vibrant location.
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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.
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Please join us for our Annual Reunion on June 4. This year the Reunion will be 100% virtual. Registration is now open and invitees should have received an email with event details.
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Executive Medical Director, Dr. Chris Bundy, weighs in on recent NY Times article exploring the benefits and challenges of virtual substance use recovery meetings and treatment.
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A recent Cochrane Review led by Dr. John Kelly and Dr. Keith Humphreys clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous. This excellent video explains the findings and implications for treatment providers and patients.
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WPHP has put together a variety of recovery support resources accessible during this period of social distancing and stay at home orders.
A 2020 Cochrane Review was recently released evaluating outcomes and cost-effectiveness of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF). While a prior 2006 Cochrane Review did not provide conclusive evidence of the effectiveness of the AA or TSF approaches, it was limited to eight studies and much has changed since then.
Most important to this current review is the number and quality of studies available for review. The current review includes 27 studies involving 10,565 participants with 21 of those studies being randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials. In short, the review demonstrates that AA/TSF increases rates and lengths of abstinence compared with other interventions (such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational enhancement therapy) at a much lower cost.
This 2020 Cochrane Review provides the highest scientific rigor. We are encouraged by the findings since they support a recovery process that has benefited so many of us, our participants, friends, family and colleagues. We are also reminded that there is more unknown than known when it comes to addictive illness and that our most strongly held beliefs are the ones we need to be most wary of. Polarized views of what works or doesn’t work usually betray us. There are no simple solutions to the complex problem of addiction. Humility in the face of the awesome destructive power of this illness urges us to embrace every tool at our disposal.
We are grateful to the study authors for this important contribution. It validates the experiences of millions who credit their recovery to AA and other 12 Step Programs and may help alleviate skepticism and doubt among others. We extend special appreciation to Keith Humphreys, PhD, one of the study authors, an leader in the science of mutual help, supporter of the Physician Health Program model, and friend to WPHP.
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