It is often difficult to ask for help.
—John Kunicky
Sr. Human Resources Director
UPMC Physician Services,
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center,
UPMC Senior Services, and
UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital
"It is often difficult to ask for help, and when you are a physician
and used to being the helper, it is even more so. PA PHP helps put
physicians at ease, knowing that their privacy and confidentiality
is protected while they seek assistance. I have no hesitation in
recommending PA PHP to physicians and to colleagues who seek a
trusted, easy to access, effective, and private resource."
A large majority of participants are substance
free throughout their involvement in the program.
Jon Lepley, DO, FAOAAM
Medical Director, Addiction Medicine,
Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health
Chair, PA PHP Advisory Committee and past participant
“ When I had concerns about my mental health and substance
problems early in my career, I had a lot of misconceptions
about the Pennsylvania Physicians’ Health Program
(PA PHP). I presumed they were a vast and ominous
monitoring organization that would look for reasons to take
away my medical license. Through becoming involved as
a participant, I found the reality of the organization to be
quite the contrary. The PA PHP is a small team of very
dedicated people who genuinely care about the well-being
of health care providers. I do regret that I did not reach
out to them sooner.
I’ve come to stay connected to the PA PHP on a professional level through volunteering time to
chair an advisory committee for the organization, and as a leader in a large health system. From
that vantage, I can see that the concern for participant well-being is genuine but also firmly
balanced by their sense of duty toward patient safety and occupational safety. The PA PHP takes
great care to ensure that participants who have taken time away to address health problems
do not return to the workplace prematurely.
This is evidenced by a great track record of success.
I think it is very important to support our PA PHP with both words and action. Whenever the
opportunity arises, I am quick to point out that the PA PHP is comprised of very dedicated people
who work hard to balance participant well-being with a duty towards patient safety. Physician
well-being and patient safety would be eroded across our state in the absence of this dedicated
team. I also make financial contributions as able, and considering the tremendous service
provided I encourage hospitals and health systems to do the same.”