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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.
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.
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Physician suicide remains a concerning issue, and the Washington Physician Health Program (WPHP) initiatives aim to provide crucial support, resources, and prevention strategies. For insights into WPHP’s comprehensive strategies and the broader implications of physician suicide, explore the recent submission from Dr. Chris Bundy and Dr. Jeffrey Sung to WMC Update!
This article highlights WPHP’s commitment to accurate information dissemination, risk assessment protocols, and educational efforts. Emphasizing a compassionate approach, WPHP navigates the complexities of physician suicide, advocating for dignity, hope, and well-being.
Together, we can support our healthcare professionals and foster awareness on this critical issue.
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In the world of healthcare, professionals often find themselves under immense pressure. The demands of the job, coupled with personal challenges, can sometimes push them to their limits. While Cary’s story is fictional, it exemplifies the kind of transformation that healthcare professionals can achieve with the support of organizations like WPHP. We encourage you to read the recent submission to the Washington State Dental Association (WSDA) to dive into Cary’s journey and learn more about how WPHP is making a difference in the lives of healthcare providers.
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Dr. Carrie Cunningham reveals her lifelong battle with depression, anxiety, and addiction to her peers. Read her powerful story in this recent article in The Guardian and be part of breaking the stigma around mental health in medicine.
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The University of Washington has launched a free three-part course aimed at suicide prevention strategies for veterinary professionals. Our very own Associate Medical Director, Dr. Laura Moss, has invested extensive effort to help develop this comprehensive course. The modules cover a range of topics, including understanding suicide, supporting at-risk individuals, promoting wellness, reducing stigma, and addressing access to lethal means. By completing this course, veterinary professionals gain valuable knowledge on how to promote well-being and create a supportive environment within their field.
Learn more about this free course.
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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.
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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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Check out this edition of WSMA’s Weekly Rounds to learn more about the updated Washington Practitioner Application. A big thank you to Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) , Washington Medical Commission , and Washington Credentialing Standardization Group (WCSG) for all your support along this journey!
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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.
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How to Thrive as a Woman Physician provides valuable insights, tip, and resources for all women physicians!
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Tammie Chang, MD is Medical Director of Provider Wellness for MultiCare and Founder of PinkCoatMD which aims to support and empower female physicians.
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Federation of State Physician Health Programs is offering a free on-demand webinar, Physician Suicide Prevention: Listening to the Voices of Experience.
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It is always the right time to take care of yourself! Register now for this 5 CE virtual event emphasizing human connection and peer support.
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The National Academy of Medicine released their findings after reaching out to clinicians on how COVID-19 has affected their professional and personal lives. The results may be helpful in furthering efforts to improve physician well-being.
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A recent article, written by Sara Tamarin, explains the benefits of engaging with a physician peer coach.
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Yale researchers find high rates of mental health and substance use disorders among healthcare workers – lack of social support identified as a key predictor.
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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.
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Register now to see him present on Mental Health Concerns for Health Professionals During Covid.
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WPHP recently compiled a list of local, regional, and national resources for crisis prevention and response for health care workers.
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A recent study, published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, describes how physician health programs have adapted to COVID-19. Co-authored by Dr. Christopher Bundy, the study explores how these adaptations have helped physicians.
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