A place to hold space for physicians
We hold space for our patients and give them a safe place to process and recover from acute illness. But who holds space for us when we suffer? An often forgotten puzzle piece of physician wellness is acknowledging the prevalence and obstacles to care that physicians with mental health conditions face. This site was built by fellow physicians to share tools to reduce stigma, overcome barriers, address fears and enhance access to mental health care. Taking the Hippocratic Oath shouldn’t be a barrier to seeking and receiving care.
A mission to promote access to healthcare and resources
Seeking mental health care as a physician can be difficult for many reasons including fear of medical board reporting, potential impact on privileging, loss of privacy and impact on professional reputation. These concerns are compounded by difficulty finding providers and support groups that understand our unique needs and experiences. Some among us have found solutions, but have no way to acknowledge these burdens nor share these strategies. Our mission is to harness the collective wisdom of our colleagues so it may be streamlined and shared with others in need.
Independent
No association with medical boards or physician health monitoring programs
Written by physicians
Shared stories and strategies from fellow physician colleagues who have lived through it
Professional sensitivity
Collected resources with awareness and sensitivity to the unique needs of physicians
An array of resources
Compiled lists of clinics and psychiatrists, therapists and coaches recommended by other physicians. Physician only monthly online support group. Shared strategies for accessing care. Crisis planning. Recovery after inpatient hospitalization. Steps for requesting workplace reasonable accommodation or OWCP stress claims.
Monthly Asclepius peer support group
- No PHP or health system affiliation
- Anonymous, online, peer led
- Modeled after NAMI and Caduceus groups
- No agenda. Share and process experiences and ask questions
Shared experiences
- Shared stories regarding aspects of coping with mental illness before, during and after an acute exacerbation. Example topics:
- Disability insurance and mental health riders
- Telemedicine as a bridge to permanent care
- Reasonable accommodation and FMLA tips
- Physician recommend books during recovery
- Other sources of support including NAMI peer support groups and other physician communities
- Adjunctive treatment to pharmacotherapy: EMDR, TMS, ganglion block