Washington Physicians Health Program - WPHP

09/04/2025

We are pleased to share that WPHP’s Executive Medical Director, Chris Bundy, MD, MPH, FAPA, FASAM, has been elected as one of four new directors to the Physicians Insurance A Mutual Company Board. For over 40 years, Physicians Insurance has been a trusted partner, healthcare advocate, and a premier provider for professional liability to the healthcare community.

Dr. Bundy has earned a national reputation for his expertise in physician health and is a tireless advocate for initiatives to improve physician health and well-being. He draws on his extensive experience as a healthcare leader and medical educator to support efforts related to physician health and patient safety, which he will also utilize to support the Physicians Insurance mission.

Dr. Bundy’s election to the Board reflects Physicians Insurance’s commitment to being a physician-driven and physician-focused company.

Read more: https://wphp.org/2025/09/04/dr-chris-bundy-elected-to-board-of-physicians-insurance-a-mutual-company/

08/28/2025

The Washington State Medical Association (WSMA) now offers its renowned, standard-bearer, immersive leadership training in an all-virtual format, designed to reach physicians and practitioners anywhere in the country.

Led by Dr. Ed Walker, the 40+ hour Physician Leadership Course is designed for those who want to know more about health care leadership or would like to brush up on their competencies. Developing leadership competencies can strengthen clinician resilience, improve stress management, and combat burnout.

Learn more and register: bit.ly/3qNPSRq

08/27/2025

Mental health challenges among physicians represent a critical public health issue with profound implications for health care delivery and workforce sustainability. Despite the proven effectiveness of mental health treatment in improving outcomes, most physicians with mental health conditions do not seek help.

A new article featured in JAMA, "Reducing Barriers to Mental Health Care for Physicians: An Overview and Strategic Recommendations," explores the deterrents that prevent physicians from seeking help and a multilevel approach for overcoming these obstacles. With insight from Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director of WPHP, the article highlights the life-saving impact of physician health programs (PHP) and their confidential support services for mental health conditions.

To address the barriers that prevent physicians from accessing mental health support, WPHP advocates for eliminating discriminatory practices in licensing and credentialing and reducing treatment cost burdens. Dr. Bundy also leads the ACGME Access the Mental Health Care Affinity Group to address individual and systemic barriers and identify mental health resources for physicians.

Thank you to Daniel Saddawi-Konefka, MD, MBA, Christine Yu Moutier, MD, and Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, MD, MPH, for this insightful article and for recognizing the value of PHPs.

🔗 Read the article:https://fsphp.memberclicks.net/assets/RESOURCES/FEATURED_ARTICLES_PHPs/Reducing%20Barriers%20to%20Mental%20Health%20Care%20for%20Physicians_An%20Overview%20and%20Strategic%20Recommendations.pdf

08/22/2025

As part of our mission to provide reassurance of safe practice and promote workforce sustainability in Washington's medical community, the Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) provides confidential support to physicians and physician assistants licensed by the Washington Medical Commission (WMC).

Today, Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director of WPHP, will present our 2024 Annual Report at the WMC Business Meeting in Tumwater, Wash. WPHP is grateful for this opportunity to engage with WMC and share our recent accomplishments and impact!

🔗 Read WPHP's 2024 Annual Report:https://wphp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WPHP_AnnRep2024.pdf

08/19/2025

📢 WPHP is hiring! We are looking for a Clinical Program Administrator to join our team.

The Clinical Program Administrator provides administrative and project management support to the Clinical Director, assisting in the implementation of clinical operations and the advancement of program development initiatives. This full-time salaried remote position is based in Washington state with occasional in-person events.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a professional team working in service to a meaningful, intellectually challenging, and immensely gratifying mission.

Learn more about the position and apply on Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/job/clinical-program-administrator-dd44e3c73e076693

08/17/2025

🌟 Happy National Nonprofit Day! 🌟

National Nonprofit Day, observed annually on August 17, is a time to celebrate the vital contributions nonprofit organizations make to the communities they serve. This day honors the dedication, tireless efforts, and impacts of nonprofits working to create lasting, positive change.

The Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) is an independent, physician-led, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. We are honored to serve our community as a nonprofit by providing essential resources, advocacy, and support to health professionals in need.

On this special day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our supporters, partners, and the incredible healthcare professionals we have the privilege of assisting. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of healthcare professionals and fostering a healthier medical community.

Thank you for being part of our journey! WPHP looks forward to many more years of supporting those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

Learn more about WPHP's nonprofit history: https://wphp.org/2025/08/15/wphp-celebrates-national-nonprofit-day/

08/13/2025

Impostor syndrome, a psychological phenomenon in which individuals experience persistent feelings of inadequacy despite evidence of their competence, skills, and achievements, is associated with professional unfulfillment and burnout among health professionals.

During a recent WPHP educational presentation on why it can be difficult for health professionals to seek and accept help, 98% of Washington dental students in their first week of dental school reported experiencing impostor syndrome.

Statistics like this remind us of the importance of seeking peer support and mentorship, challenging negative self-talk, and practicing self-compassion. One health professional at a time, we can build a more sustainable medical workforce.

Explore wellness resources for health professionals: https://wphp.org/resources/physician-wellness-resources/

08/07/2025

The Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) is Washington's trusted resource for restoring the health of medical professionals. Our confidential support and exceptional outcomes provide reassurance of safe practice and promote workforce sustainability.

In 2024, 17% of WPHP participants reported experiencing burnout, compared to the national average of 45%. Throughout the years, WPHP participants have consistently reported substantially lower rates of burnout than national averages.

Learn more about WPHP's impact in our 2024 Annual Report:https://wphp.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/WPHP_AnnRep2024.pdf

08/05/2025

The International Doctors in Alcoholics Anonymous (IDAA) Annual Conference is heading to Chicago, Ill., in 2026!

Since 1949, healthcare professionals and their families impacted by addiction have come together at this special event to support one another on the journey of recovery. Join the IDAA community for a week of inspiration, connection, and deep peer fellowship in the heart of Chicago. There's nothing like the strength found in shared experience.

🎫 Don't miss out on early bird registration rates: https://www.idaa.org/events/2026-annual-conference

08/01/2025

The August edition of our quarterly Physician Health Focus newsletter is out! We are thrilled to share the latest events, initiatives, and resources that advance the health and well-being of the medical community.

📰 Read here: https://us20.campaign-archive.com/?u=ac5c12fb36243ad8fd77832ba&id=7978bf9f68

WPHP is Washington’s trusted resource for restoring the health of medical professionals. Our confidential support and exceptional outcomes provide reassurance of safe practice and promote workforce sustainability.

07/31/2025

Dental students navigate an academically demanding and emotionally challenging path to their careers. Throughout this process, many dental students face significant stress that can impact their overall wellbeing. Acknowledging these unique challenges is the first step toward creating a healthier, more sustainable dental workforce.

To explain why it can be difficult for dental students to seek help and lay the foundation for creating an effective self-care plan, Dr. Chris Bundy, Executive Medical Director of the Washington Physicians Health Program, presented "The Sick Dentist" to first year students at The University of Washington School of Dentistry today.

07/29/2025

Developing leadership competencies can strengthen clinician resilience, improve stress management, and combat burnout. This fall, let Washington State Medical Association (WSMA)’s Physician Leadership Course help you develop these core skills. Hybrid and all-virtual options available.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/3qNPSRq