The Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP) provides resources to support the prevention of physician suicide and assist with educational outreach. Taking proactive steps to recognize and address physician distress is crucial for ensuring the well-being of our colleagues and reducing the risk of suicide.
Understanding More About the Work of Physician Health Programs
- The FSPHP operates according to four tenets. First is the support for the early detection, evaluation, and treatment of impairing conditions. Second, it opposes discrimination based on a history of an impairing condition. Third, when applicable, it promotes the use of PHP services rather than disciplinary action. Last, it supports the maintenance of the confidential relationship between the PHP and its participants in order for a professional in need to “come forward without fear of punishment, disciplinary action, embarrassment, or professional isolation.”
- PHP Participant Stories - Hear how PHPs have helped.
- State Program Videos - Watch videos produced by FSPHP State Member Physician Health Programs provide insight into how these programs work and how they impact the life and career of health professionals.
- Contact a State Physician Health Program for guidance - https://www.fsphp.org/state-programs
ARTICLES, PUBLICATIONS, VIDEOS & RESOURCES
What is the Washington Physicians Health Program Doing About Physician Suicide?
Article by Chris Bundy, MD, MPH & Jeffrey Sung, MD of the Washington Physicians Health Program
2023
Suicide Prevention: Evidence-Informed Interventions for the Healthcare Workforce
This resource document, published by the American Hospital Association, highlights useful information regarding risks of suicide, ways to take action, and intervention strategies.
2022
Physician Suicide
Podcast featuring Dr. Joy Albuquerque and Dr. Sarah Tulk by Canadian Medical Association Journal Podcasts (CMAJ)
Integrating Confidential Mental Health Care to Support Physicians
This story explains how PHPs respond to the pressing need for support and care in a confidential manner.
Healthcare Professionals' Mental Health Needs: Where Can They Go?
This is the second in a two-part series on rural physician and provider behavioral health.
January 2020
Physician Suicide Prevention: Listening to the Voices of Experience
A 2-hour complimentary virtual recording. This program is designed to share resources and support and recognize the importance of our ability to be there for each other.
December 2020
“Time to Talk About It: Physician Depression and Suicide”
Video/Discussion Session for Interns, Residents, and Fellows
November 2016
Physician Suicide
by Joy Albuquerque MD MSc, Sarah Tulk MD MSc
May 2019
ORGANIZATIONS & AVAILABLE SERVICES
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
AMA STEPS Forward: Practice innovation strategies: Physician burnout
Physician well-being is influenced by both organizational and individual factors. This collection of AMA STEPS Forward® Practice Innovation Strategies offers proven approaches on how to engage health system leadership, understanding physician burnout and how to address it, and developing a culture that supports physician well-being.
AMA STEPS Forward: Preventing Physician Suicide Module
Massachusetts Medical Society - Physician Suicide Awareness Resources
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Suicide Prevention for Healthcare Professional
The FSPHP has partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to encourage the implementation of their Interactive Screening Program as a tool for Physician Health Programs. 5 State Physician Health Programs have implemented it. Once implemented this tool helps reduce barriers to care and encourages individuals to seek mental health services. It provides anonymity to those who take the screening instrument and connects the person to personalized support for help-seeking from a counselor. If you are interested in reaching out for 1 on 1 guidance on this tool, please contact Laura Hoffman [email protected], American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, Director, Interactive Screening Program T 212.363.3500, ext. 2011.
When Doctors Struggle: Current Stressors and Evaluation Recommendations for Physicians Contemplating Suicide
