Program Histories
Our History
The Pennsylvania Peer Assistance Monitoring Programs (PA PAMP) have a long-standing commitment to supporting healthcare professionals facing substance use, mental health, and behavioral challenges. Our roots trace back to the mid-1950s, driven by a growing recognition of the need for professional assistance and rehabilitation within the medical community.​
Origins of the Program
Leroy Erickson of The Educational and Scientific Trust was approached by a physician concerned about a colleague undergoing rehabilitation after losing his position in a group practice. Recognizing the need for structured support, Mr. Erickson helped the physician find new employment. This incident highlighted a broader issue within the profession and set the stage for a statewide response. In 1975, the American Medical Association (AMA) launched its Impaired Physician Program. Soon after, the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) developed its own version, which included a confidential hotline for concerned individuals to report impaired physicians.
Committee on Impaired Physicians
To provide structured assistance, PAMED formed the Committee on Impaired Physicians. The committee—composed of dedicated physicians such as Drs. Abram Hostetter, Jean Forrest, Preston Hoyle, and Elizabeth Gordon—worked directly with impaired colleagues to guide them toward treatment and recovery. These meetings often involved an "intervener" and focused on encouraging voluntary participation in rehabilitation programs. This model remained in place until 1986.
Establishing the Physician's Health Program (PHP)
In 1985, The Educational and Scientific Trust proposed transitioning the Impaired Physician Program into a full-time, funded initiative. By 1989, the Trust officially assumed responsibility for what became known as the Physician’s Health Program (PHP).
Expanding Support Across Professions
The scope of the program grew significantly in the decades that followed:
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2023: Pharmacists were added to the professionals served by the PHP. Additionally, the Nurses' Health Program (NHP) was established to support nurses, dietitian-nutritionists, and student nurses facing substance use, mental health, or behavioral health concerns—prioritizing rehabilitation and safe professional practice.
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2024: To meet the distinct needs of additional healthcare fields, the Pharmacists' Health Program (PharmHP) and Dentists' Health Program (DHP) were formally launched. This strengthened the PAPAMP's ability to support the unique needs of pharmacists, pharmacy interns/students, dentists, and all licensed dental professionals.
The Formation of PA PAMP
To reflect the unified approach and shared values of these programs, the PHP, NHP, PharmHP, and DHP were consolidated under one umbrella in 2024: the Pennsylvania Peer Assistance Monitoring Programs (PA PAMP). Together, these programs continue to advocate for health, healing, and professional integrity across the Commonwealth's health care workforce.