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 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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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.
The Moral Determinants of Health
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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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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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In these difficult times, research is highlighting the protective factors that health professionals experience from their spiritual practice.
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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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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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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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Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) does not equal treatment with buprenorphine. Dr. Chris Bundy, WPHP Executive Medical Director and FSPHP President, is interviewed on this complex topic:
Doctors’ Exemplary Treatment Success Occurs Absent High Use of Buprenorphine Alcohol and Drug Abuse Weekly – May 11, 2020 article by Gary Enos in the May issue of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Weekly.
“Physicians experience some of the most noteworthy recovery success rates among professional groups, largely because of the presence of physician health programs (PHPs) that offer a treatment-focused alternative to discipline while still protecting public safety.”
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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.
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Senior Members of American Medical Association (AMA): Please consider voting for Luis Sanchez, MD for AMA Delegate, Senior Physicians Section!
Ballots went out yesterday.
Dr. Sanchez is an addiction psychiatrist who has been a lifelong advocate for addiction treatment and physician health. Please help make sure addiction expertise flourishes at the AMA!
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Sachi joined WPHP in September 2017. She is the Senior Accountant and is responsible for managing the organization’s day to day accounting operations, and preparing and analyzing financial reports. Sachi received her BA in Accounting at Seattle University and later her Master of Science in Accounting at the University of Bothell. She is currently working towards becoming a CPA.
“I started out as Staff Accountant at WPHP in 2017. I was able to advance my career which was important to my professional development, and the team supported me throughout the journey. I began my Masters in Accounting in 2018 and completed my degree in 2019. I then transitioned over to a new role at WPHP as the Senior Accountant, where I am responsible for financial reporting, managing billing and budgeting, and maintaining financial records.
The team here at WPHP has been one of the best parts of working for the organization. I really appreciate the collaborative culture, and the team’s energy really brightens my work life!”
Caring for Caregivers: WSMA resources to help sustain health professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Thank you for helping us stay well during this difficult time Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) !
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Check out Dr. Bundy’s three part series in the Washington Medical Commission’s Update! In this series Dr. Bundy is “Setting the Record Straight” and answering common questions about Physician Health Programs.
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Due to COVID-19, WPHP will be unable to hold the Annual Reunion on May 15-17, 2020. We came to this decision with heavy hearts, understanding how much this event means to our attendees and staff. We are also acutely aware of how much fellowship and recovery support are needed during these uncertain times.
We apologize for those who were looking forward to this event and the inconvenience this may cause with travel and work plans. If you have any questions, concerns, or require follow-up please contact us.
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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 great opportunity to be of service to our community!
As Washington takes more steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 the Department of Health (DOH) will now enroll and activate emergency volunteer health care workers in preparation for health system requests and surging. This will help the state meet emerging demands for health care workers. Many profession types are needed to help in response efforts. Both Washington-licensed and out-of-state health care professionals can volunteer.
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Our Executive Medical Director, Dr. Bundy, is on the ASAM Covid-19 Taskforce and led the team that developed these recommendations for promoting support group attendance.
https://www.asam.org/Quality-Science/covid-19-coronavirus/support-group
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It is more important than ever that physicians take care of themselves in this crisis. It’s also becoming more and more difficult to access one’s regular supports and self-care activities. We hope this is a helpful support to our physicians during this difficult time.
https://www.medicaleconomics.com/news/mental-health-survival-guide-physicians-during-covid-19
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