Central PA Medicine Summer 2021 - 12

dauphincms.org
Washington Physicians Health Program
is a non-profit, physician-led, confidential
program that supports physicians and
their families to have lives and careers they
never thought possible. WPHP began as a
committee in our state medical society in
1972 and evolved over 40 years into the
program we are today. 70% of WPHP's
operating budget comes from a surcharge
that the license holders we serve impose
on themselves to support their colleagues
and peers in distress. This stable source of
funding contributes to the strength of our
program and reflects the deep commitment
the Washington medical community has
placed in WPHP.
There are several things that make WPHP
special and have contributed to the gratitude
WPHP receives from participants, family
members, and professional stakeholders.
First and foremost is the community we
12 Summer 2021 Central PA Medicine
create for our participants and their families.
Many physicians and family members
experience illness-driven shame, isolation,
and relationship erosion. Through WPHP's
weekly group monitoring, online support for
significant others, and our annual reunion,
participants and their families can connect
with each other and develop lifelong relationships.
WPHP's alumni community can
choose to stay in touch through our Graduate
Support Program after they have completed
their monitoring agreement.
WPHP participants also experience
excellent outcomes. Less than half of
physicians who are referred to WPHP
require monitoring. This means that in most
cases we can offer support and referral to
appropriate services without the need for
a more involved monitoring agreement.
For those who do need monitoring, 90%
are unknown to their licensing board,
successfully complete the program, and
are practicing in their field at program
completion. Return to use is uncommon
among substance use disorder participants
with 12- and 60-month abstinence rates
greater than 90%. Half of program participants
describe it as " lifesaving " at program
completion with another 35% describing
it as " extremely useful. " Accountability, a
chronic illness management model, our
highly trained and experienced staff, and the
exceptional motivation of our participants
make these outcomes possible.
Finally, WPHP stands out as a " hightouch "
program. Our staff considers their
relationships with participants and their
families to be the most gratifying part of
their work. Caseloads are low which means
each participant receives the time and attention
they need from their coordinator. Our
staff is consistently praised by participants
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Central PA Medicine Summer 2021

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