Excellent information on Physician Health Programs. Thank you Drs. Andrew, Manion, and Miller!
Join us every Sunday for help in our PHP peer support group.
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Medical schools need to offer students alternatives to state physician health programs (excellent article by Wes Boyd)
And response by Kernan Manion MD:
Dr. Boyd’s critique of how medical schools misuse Physician Health Programs (PHPs) reveals only part of a deeply troubling system. As a psychiatrist who has studied and documented these practices extensively, I must emphasize several critical points:
PHPs have no legitimate role in medical student mental health care. They are neither qualified nor legally empowered to evaluate individuals without medical licenses. Yet medical schools continue referring students to PHPs without proper basis, effectively coercing them into an unregulated system of “evaluations” that deny basic due process rights.
The consequences are severe and far-reaching. Beyond the extortionate costs and wrongfully interrupted education, these practices inflict profound psychological trauma and moral injury that can permanently alter students’ spirits and worldview. Even those who eventually escape the system emerge traumatized and embittered – hardly the mindset we wish to cultivate in our future physicians.
This unconscionable system wastes not only the extraordinary financial investments of families, lenders, and states, but more tragically, squanders the passionate commitment and talent of aspiring physicians who might otherwise serve their communities with dedication and compassion.
Importantly, three U.S. Senators have requested Department of Justice investigation into these practices. Students subjected to these abusive practices should file complaints with both the DOJ Civil Rights Division and Department of Education, particularly regarding violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, HIPAA, and due process rights.
Medical schools must immediately cease referring students to PHPs and instead provide legitimate mental health resources through qualified providers. Their current practices not only traumatize vulnerable students but expose institutions to significant liability for willfully perpetuating an unconstitutional, unlawful, and unethical system that undermines the very future of medicine.