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WPHP Blog

Stay up to date with news, announcements, and upcoming event information from the Washington Physicians Health Program team. For an archive of relevant resources on a wide variety of physicians health topics, please visit Articles and Publications.

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WPHP Report – What is the Washington Physicians Health Program Doing About Physician Suicide?

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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The Washington Physician Health Program CARES for Dentists!

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.

WSDA News

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Contributions to the FSPHP 2023 Annual Education Conference

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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WPHP Advocacy

Learn more about our advocacy work and the positive changes we’ve made in the latest edition of the WMC newsletter!

Read the full update here.

 

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An Update on the Washington Practitioner Application

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 Advocates For Participants

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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Dr. Chris Bundy receives the WSMA President’s 2021 Unsung Hero Award!

This award recognizes Dr. Bundy’s extraordinary contributions to Washington’s healthcare workforce and honors the work of WPHP.  

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Doug Yoshida, MD, JD highlights WPHP’s voluntary participation.

At the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation Annual Meeting, Doug Yoshida, MD, JD highlights WPHP’s high rate of voluntary program participation.  

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WPHP is Hiring!

Want to work with an outstanding team, helping physicians and other health professionals heal and achieve lives and careers they never thought possible? Check out our 2 Clinical Coordinator job postings! 

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WPHP is Hiring!

We are currently working to fill 2 Clinical Coordinator positions on our team! If you know someone who may be interested in joining our team, please direct them to our Indeed post for more information on the Clinical Coordinator position or have them contact Courtney Strong directly with questions.       

 

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WPHP April Physician Health Focus

WPHP’s April Physician Health Focus is now available!  

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WPHP is Hiring!

We are currently working to fill 2 Clinical Coordinator positions on our team! If you know someone who may be interested in joining our team, please direct them to our Indeed post for more information on the Clinical Coordinator position or have them contact Courtney Strong directly with questions. 

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Dr. Bundy discusses the impact of COVID-19 on frontline workers in the Washington Medical Commission Spring 2021 Update

The Washington Medical Commission Spring 2021 Update features the WPHP Report highlighting a study about frontline workers and COVID-19.  

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Registration for WPHP’s 26th Annual Reunion Now Open!

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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Congrats to Dr. Chris Bundy, the President of FSPHP

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. 

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WPHP’s Lindsay Shea is featured in WMC Fall edition of Update!

Lindsay explores how mental health disparities create “double vulnerability” for those in minority communities.

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International Podiatry Day

Today is International Podiatry Day and we would like to recognize and give thanks to Podiatric Physicians. #Feetmatter

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WPHP is Hiring!

Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) has an outstanding employment opportunity for a full-time Clinical Coordinator. Remote work options are available for this position. The Clinical Coordinator is an exempt employee who engages in a variety of clinical activities, manages assigned cases, assists as needed with special projects, and ensures that efficient, effective operations and procedures are in place. This person will be licensed at the master’s level in a relevant mental health field and have extensive experience with co-occurring disorders.

Founded in 1986, WPHP is a small, independent, physician-lead, non-profit organization that advances patient safety by supporting the recovery of doctoral level health care providers in the State of Washington. WPHP is recognized as one of the strongest physician health programs in the United States. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a professional team working in service to an important social mission. With a generous pay structure, an excellent benefits package, flexible work arrangements and a wonderful team of coworkers, this position offers the complete package. Please send us your cover letter and resume to sscheuler@wphp.org.

 

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Dr. Bundy weighs in on the future of health care post COVID-19

In the Washington Medical Commission Summer 2020 Update, Dr. Bundy speaks on how COVID-19 has sparked challenges for the health care workforce, and simultaneously created the opportunity to reshape the industry moving forward.

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