THE MISSOURI PHYSICIANS HEALTH PROGRAM IS HERE TO HELP DURING COVID-19

The Missouri Physicians Health Program has always focused on promoting physician health in Missouri, maintaining the physician workforce and protecting patient safety. This has never been more important than now during this time of COVID-19 crisis, when every healthcare professional is critically important to maintaining our health care infrastructure.  We recognize Missouri physicians are on the front line of this pandemic and now more than ever need our support.

As the Covid-19 pandemic evolves, the MPHP is offering updated information, resources and support to physicians. For them, COVID-19 not only presents health consequences but practice and economic consequences, as well. As a result, the emotional toll may be high. Fortunately, all Missouri physicians have access to compassionate and confidential help from the Missouri Physicians Health Program. This valuable information can be found on our website.

Missouri Physicians Health program is fully committed to doing everything we can to help physicians stay healthy during this very difficult time.  Do not hesitate to contact us if you or another physician you know is struggling, or to discuss additional ways we may be able to help. Or, if you know of mental health professionals that may be available to help us by becoming a local partner, please reach out to us.

The Missouri Physicians Health Program (MPHP), sponsored by the Missouri State Medical Association, is available to help physicians.

All communications are kept strictly confidential.

The MPHP addresses a range of concerns, including but not limited to what is listed below. We know more than substance abuse.

• 1

  MENTAL HEALTH

  Included are problems with stress, burnout, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

• 2

  DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

  We work with physicians whose “disruptive” behavior has been a source of complaint by associates or by patients..

• 3

  BOUNDARY VIOLATIONS

  Physicians can sometimes slip into boundary violations involving intimate relations and/or inappropriate script writing.

• 4

  CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY

  We assist physicians that have a pattern of substance use (may be illegal or legal substances) that causes significant problems or distress.

• 5

  BEHAVIORAL OR PROCESS ADDICTIONS

  Included are addictions to an activity such as compulsive gambling, sexual addictions, eating disorders, and spending addictions.

• 6

  PHYSICAL ILLNESS

  Undiagnosed physical illnesses, such as aging-related cognitive issues or other physical illnesses, may be affecting work performance.

• 7

  FAMILY SUPPORT

  We assist spouses/significant others of physicians through our De Novo program, as well as other members of the physician’s family when requested by the physician.

• 8

  LICENSURE ISSUES

  Physicians and medical students can avoid future problems with the Board of Healing Arts by seeking professional guidance as to the proper way of completing applications.