Celebrating and Supporting Our Physicians on National Doctors’ Day
Colleagues:
Tomorrow is National Doctors’ Day, and we find ourselves at a critical juncture, not only to celebrate the dedication and sacrifices of our physicians, but also to spotlight the vital support systems that uphold them. At the forefront is the Committee for Physician Health (CPH), an organization established in 1974 under the auspices of the Medical Society of the State of New York. CPH’s mission is profound yet straightforward: to offer confidential, non-disciplinary assistance to physicians within the medical community grappling with stress, substance abuse, emotional, and other psychiatric disorders. This initiative is a testament to the understanding that the well-being of our physicians is intrinsically linked to the quality of care they provide for their patients.
Amidst this backdrop, the potential budget cuts from Governor Hochul threatening CPH illuminate a problematic scenario, underscoring the need for advocacy and action to ensure the continuity of such a crucial program. Within this context, it’s here that the narrative of Dr. John Doe, albeit anonymized to protect privacy as per CPH’s guidelines, becomes particularly resonant. Dr. Doe’s testimonial letter to CPH and shared with the physician community reveals a journey from a place of vulnerability to one of recovery and leadership, thanks to the pivotal support provided by CPH.
Dr. Doe writes, “I still remember my first encounter with CPH in 2011 during a very difficult time… It was the CPH staff that framed my recovery and gave my wife and I hope.” His continued voluntary involvement with CPH beyond his initial recovery underscores the profound impact of the organization’s work, not only on his life but potentially on the lives of countless others in the medical profession.
Today, Dr. Doe’s contributions as a fellowship program director and chief of an internal medicine division stand as a beacon of what is possible when the necessary support structures are in place for physicians in crisis. His story and willingness to serve as a regional confidential contact for peers in need reflect the essence of the support and compassion that CPH embodies.
As we celebrate National Doctors’ Day, let us also lend our voices to advocate for preserving CPH’s funding. We appreciate that both the Assembly and Senate have opposed this cut, but we need them to maintain this position as the State Budget is being finalized. The narrative of Dr. John Doe, alongside the mission and history of CPH, highlights the indispensable role of such support systems in maintaining the health of our physicians and the integrity of our healthcare system at large. In honoring our physicians, we must also fight to ensure the sustainability of programs like CPH, which provide a lifeline for those who dedicate their lives to the service of others. In doing so, we celebrate their contributions and protect the foundation of compassionate, quality healthcare.
And finally, please join me in remembering and honoring our physician colleagues who lost their lives to COVID and suicide.
Paul A. Pipia, MD
PresidentMedical Society of the State of New York
Share
FTC Passes Rule to Prohibit Most Non-Compete Agreement – Questions Remain about Implementation This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted 3-2 to issue a far-reaching final rule that would prohibit “non-compete” provisions in employment contracts. The final FTC rule exempted from these protections executives earning more than $151,164 annually who are in “policymaking” positions. The FTC has estimated that […]
-
State Budget Takes Steps to Protect Patient Access to Community-Based Physician Care Colleagues: “We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” —- Benjamin Franklin, 1776 This past week, we saw the wisdom of Ben Franklin’s message. MSSNY, working together with numerous allies, has accomplished a plethora of important […]
-
Why Join MSSNY? Dr Patel Shares His Journey with Organized Medicine Dr. Patel shares his enriching experiences with MSSNY’s mentors and networking events that have significantly advanced his medical career.
