Pennsylvania Physician’s Health Program (PHP)
What Is the Pennsylvania Physicians Health Program?
The Pennsylvania Physicians Health Program (PA PHP) is a confidential resource for physicians and other health care professionals facing substance use, mental health, or behavioral health concerns. Administered by The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society since 1986, the Pennsylvania PHP has spent four decades helping physicians address these challenges early, before they put careers, licenses, or patient safety at risk.
Unlike a disciplinary process, the PA PHP is designed around recovery. It coordinates confidential evaluation, structured monitoring, and long-term recovery support so physicians can return to safe, effective practice. The PA PHP operates in cooperation with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Federation of State Physician Health Programs, aligning local support with national standards of care.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to promote early indentification and facilitate rehabilitation of physicians and other eligible health care professionals and trainees with concerns relating to substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and/or behavioral concerns. Our goal is to coordinate assessment and treatment as well as provide monitoring and advocacy to ensure the safe practice of their profession, and the safety of the public.
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Vision Statement
Substance use and mental health disorders are prevalent in physicians and other health care professionals and trainees. We strive to educate the public and health professionals on the medical model of substance use disorder, and behavioral concerns including the biopsychosocial and spiritual aspects. We encourage early recognition of these disorders and behavioral concerns to facilitate effective, confidential treatment that preserves careers and carries the message of hope. We accomplish this through involvement with the Federation of State Physician Health Programs and cooperation with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Who the PHP Is For
The Pennsylvania PHP serves:
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Physicians licensed to practice in Pennsylvania who are experiencing substance use disorder, mental health concerns, or behavioral health issues
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Other eligible health care professionals and students, including residents and fellows, referred for similar concerns
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Colleagues, hospitals, and health systems seeking a confidential pathway to help a physician get support before a concern escalates
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Physicians who self-refer, recognizing early on that they need support and want to protect their ability to practice safely
Because early identification is central to the program's mission, physicians don't need to wait for a crisis or a licensing board action to reach out. Many participants engage with the PHP proactively, on their own initiative.
How Referrals Work
Referrals to the Pennsylvania PHP can come from several sources: a physician themselves, a colleague, a hospital or health system, a family member, or a licensing board. Every referral is handled confidentially, and the process is designed to be supportive rather than punitive.
Generally, the referral pathway includes:
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Initial contact: A referral is submitted through the PHP’s online referral form, or by phone or email to the PHP team.
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Confidential intake: The PHP team reviews the referral, talks with the individual, and connects the individual with an evaluation.
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Evaluation: A clinical evaluation determines the nature and severity of the concern and the appropriate level of care.
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Treatment coordination: The PHP helps coordinate treatment with qualified providers experienced in treating health care professionals.
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Monitoring and advocacy: Once treatment begins, the PHP provides structured monitoring and advocates on the participant's behalf with employers, hospitals, or licensing bodies as appropriate.
Physicians and other professionals ready to make a referral can do so directly through the Foundation's online referral form here.
How The Foundation Supports the PHP
The Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society doesn't just fund the PA PHP — it conducts the program directly, taking an active role in connecting physicians with the clinical resources, peer support, and accountability frameworks they need to recover.
This support is made possible in large part through philanthropy. Donor contributions sustain three dedicated funds:
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PA PHP Endowment: An established endowment that ensures the PA PHP has funds held in perpetuity, securing its future for generations of Pennsylvania physicians.
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PA PHP Assistance Fund: Provides financial assistance to participants who demonstrate need, covering fees associated with case initiation, evaluation, and treatment.
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PA NHP Participants Assistance Fund: Provides financial assistance to participants who demonstrate need with the cost of required toxicology testing while they participate in the program.
The PA PHP also laid the foundation for the Foundation's broader Peer Assistance Monitoring Program (PA PAMP), which today extends similar support to nurses (NHP), dentists (DHP), and pharmacists (PharmHP) across the Commonwealth.