Services

Without treatment and engagement in recovery, addiction can be a life threatening illness. Early detection of addiction can mean the difference between life and death. For over 30 years, the Physicians’ Health Program (PHP) has provided support and advocacy to physicians, dentists and other eligible health care professionals suffering from addiction, mental illness or behavioral concerns that impact their ability to practice their chosen profession safely. If you or someone you know is battling with addiction or mental illness, call the PHP today.

The Physicians' Health Program (PHP), a program of The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, provides support and advocacy to physicians and other eligible health care professionals struggling with addiction, mental illness or behavioral concerns that impact their ability to practice their chosen profession safely.

For those entering the PHP, the first step is an assessment. If needed, we will help the participant find appropriate treatment, and offer monitoring services. For those involved in the PHP program, we are able to provide advocacy when necessary. For more information about PHP services, refer to each of the following benchmarks:

Our Vision

Substance use and mental health disorders are prevalent in the community and equally common among physicians and other healthcare professionals and trainees. We strongly endorse the Medical Model of Substance Use Disorders as it accurately describes chronic illness while attempting to minimize shame and moralization. We support the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s definition of substance use disorders which includes biopsychosocial and spiritual aspects. Education of the public and licensed health professionals in Pennsylvania is of primary importance. We encourage early recognition of substance use disorders, mental health disorders as well as behavioral concerns to facilitate effective treatment and carry the message of hope. The Physicians’ Health Program accomplishes this through cooperation with the Federation of State Physician Health Programs, Inc. as well as with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

PHP Mission

Our mission is early identification and rehabilitation of physicians and other eligible healthcare professionals and trainees with concerns relating to substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and/or behavioral concerns with the goal of arranging assessment and treatment as well as providing monitoring and advocacy for their safe return to the practice of their profession. This is for the benefit of the healthcare profession and the safety of the public they serve.