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WPHP Blog

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.

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October 8th marks National Depression Screening Day

As a part of Mental Illness Week, October 8th marks National Depression Screening Day. It is important to take care of your mental health and seek help if you are in need. #NationalDepressionScreeningDay

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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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Mindfulness for Healthcare Professionals available online!

Mindfulness Northwest is offering a 5-week mindfulness series designed for medical professionals and therapists beginning October 19th. This course is online and offers 14 CME hours. Please visit Mindfulness Northwest for more information.

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AMA resources for combating physician stress during COVID-19

The American Medical Association has released a set of modules to help manage physician stress during COVID-19. These modules are designed for health system leadership and provide helpful strategies to support physicians and care teams during this pandemic.

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Physician Assistants Day

October 6th marks National Physician Assistants Day! We would like to recognize and give thanks to the Physician Assistant profession. #PAsAreEssential

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Thank you, FSMB!

“Thank you to the Federation of State Medical Boards for recognizing the collaboration between WPHP and the https://wmc.wa.gov/ in reforming licensure questions in order to combat stigma and remove an important barrier to seeking care among health professionals.”– Dr. Chris Bundy, WPHP Executive Medical Director

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The realities of the female health professional during COVID and how to support them.

Doina Lupea of the Ontario Medical Association’s Physician Health Program, in collaboration with Sriharan Ratnapalan, of Dalla Lana and the Hospital for Sick Children, and Andrea Tricco, of Dalla Lana and St. Michael’s Hospital, to study the intersection of stress, burnout and depression among women in health care during coronavirus pandemic and potential interventions that may be effective for increasing resilience during these unprecedented times.

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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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Stephan Fihn, MD, MPH on the future of health care

Stephan Fihn, MD, MPH, physician at Harborview Medical Center, persuasively argues in a recent JAMA article that health care’s past may be its future.

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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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WSMA statement of the death of George Floyd

WPHP endorses and supports WSMA’s Statement on the Death of George Floyd. We are actively working to intensify opportunities to identify and counter systemic racism within our organization, the health care system and beyond. Thank you WSMA for leading the way!

 

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Staff Spotlight: Sheldon Cooper


Mr. Cooper was appointed Executive Director by the WPHP Board of Directors in March 2015. He is responsible for WPHP’s administrative and financial policy and operations and, in collaboration with the Executive Medical Director, ensuring the overall fulfillment of WPHP’s Mission. From 1999 to 2014 Mr. Cooper led Homestead Community Land Trust’s efforts to provide permanently affordable homes in King County. During that time he grew the organization to become the largest of its kind in Washington State. He brings over two decades of experience advancing social causes as a founder, executive director, board chair, and a board member of a variety of organizations.

“I have spent my professional career helping small nonprofit organizations do their best work. I have the good fortune to work closely with the WPHP volunteer Board of Directors as well as the staff, and am inspired each day by their collective knowledge, talent, and wisdom dedicated to advancing our mission. It is a great honor and immensely gratifying to be a part of the WPHP team.”

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Finding solutions for growing distress on health care professionals

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedent pressures on Health Care Professionals. This article looks to find unique and targeted solutions to the growing distress of our medical colleagues.

“Before effective approaches to support health care professionals can be developed, it is critical to understand their specific sources of anxiety and fear. Focusing on addressing those concerns, rather than teaching generic approaches to stress reduction or resilience, should be the primary focus of support efforts.”

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Dr. Donald M. Berwick on defining the “New Normal”

Two recent Viewpoint pieces by JAMA contributor, Dr. Donald M. Berwick, reveal that our choices, not fate, will define the “New Normal” and that we must embrace the moral law within if we hope to counteract the powerful forces that perpetuate inequity.

Choices for the “New Normal”

The Moral Determinants of Health

 

 

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How are Hospitals looking out for their staffs’ Mental Health during COVID-19?

Learn more about how hospitals across the country are responding to the mental health effects of COVID-19 on their staff. #covid-19 #mentalhealth

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Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 on Front Line Workers in Italy and China

What can we learn from Italy and China about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health in front line workers? #physicianwellness #covid-19

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Health Professionals and their Spiritual Practices

In these difficult times, research is highlighting the protective factors that health professionals experience from their spiritual practice.

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Article #2 

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Does Alcohol Anonymous Work?

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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Staff Spolight: Shea Scheuler

 

Shea joined WPHP in 2018 as Director of Program Development.  She is responsible for strategic initiatives and performance improvement activities that promote accountability, consistency and excellence across WPHP services. Shea’s combination of clinical, business development, and public-relations experience is uniquely suited to her role at WPHP. Through meaningful stakeholder engagement, Shea is able to develop innovative yet practical strategies to solve complex organizational challenges and improve service delivery. Shea was born and raised in Olympia, Washington and was recruited to swim at Southern Methodist University where, in addition to three Division 1 All-American honors, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, political science and women’s studies. She later earned a master’s degree in psychology and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate and Chemical Dependency Professional. As a clinician, Shea has managed a juvenile drug court and worked in private practice and addiction treatment settings. Prior to joining WPHP, Shea was Business Development Manager for Edgewood Health Network and created Hive Consulting Group, working as a health care consultant.

“It has been such a gift to join the WPHP team and have so many unique ways to support the recovery of our amazing health care professionals in Washington state. My job allows me to work directly with the participants by way of facilitating one of the monitoring groups and to support the clinical work by managing projects that help improve our processes and operations. I have never worked with a more passionate and talented team and am constantly amazed by the strength and heart of our participants.”

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Personal privacy versus public safety; an interview with Dr. Paul Earley, FSPHP’s immediate past President

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.”

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