Q & A with new PHP Director Tiffany Booher
On Sept. 30, 2019, Tiffany Booher, MA, LPC, CAADC, CIP, CCSM took the helm of the Foundation’s Physicians’ Health Program.
Name: Tiffany Booher, MA, LPC, CAADC, CIP, CCSM
Education: Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Penn State University, master’s degree in applied clinical psychology from Penn State University, continuing graduate education from Shippensburg University
Number of years at the PHP: 6+ years
Previous roles at the PHP
I served as a case manager from August 2013 to December 2015, and then case management supervisor from January 2016 to September 2019.
Why did you want to become the director of the PHP?
I wanted to become director of the PHP to take a greater leadership role in the organization and continue to be a catalyst for positive change and development within the program.
What is your favorite part of your job?
It is a great privilege to witness participants’ recovery journeys. They come to us during very difficult times in their lives and through the support of the program they transform their lives for the better. I am so grateful to be a part of this process.
Why do you believe the work being done at the PHP is so important?
The PHP’s work is so important because we provide a safe, supportive process for health care professionals to receive the services they need to improve their health, return to the practice of their chosen profession and safely serve the citizens of the commonwealth.
What is one thing you would like people to know about the work being done at the PHP?
One of the defining hallmarks of the PHP program is that we take great care in making decisions. These decisions are based in science and best practices, and are specific to individual case characteristics and needs.
What is your vision for the future of the PHP?
My vision for the future of the PHP includes expanding resources to improve the number of quality choices for evaluation and treatment services. I would like to analyze and implement ways to optimize performance and effectiveness in alignment with best practices among PHPs, and explore opportunities to extend our services to other licensee types.
Tell us about the impact that you’ve seen the PHP have on the lives of others.
I am deeply amazed and inspired by how working a solid recovery program with treatment, monitoring and a firm support network allows people to change their lives for the better. The program really works. Many individuals struggle at first with the intensity of the monitoring requirements and the financial burden of monitoring, but they eventually settle into a routine, find their way forward and are able to flourish in their careers, personal lives and in their communities. They then share their experience, strength and hope with other participants when they become PHP monitors or serve our program in other leadership roles. It’s an exciting circle of growth and positive change.
In a time when physician well-being is a focus, why do you think it is important for doctors to prioritize their own health?
The real-life demands that health care professionals are under can be daunting. Diligent attention to their own health supports them in being able to navigate these life demands, adapt to adversity and rise to achieve their goals.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
The PHP team is a wonderful group of talented, well-educated and dedicated individuals who deeply care about the participants we serve. It is a great privilege to work side by side with them and to lead the program.