Newswise — The Federation of State Physician Health Programs (FSPHP) is proud to announce a groundbreaking, CME-accredited live webinar designed to transform how physicians care for physician-patients across general medical, mental health, and substance use disorder settings.
When Physicians Become Patients: Providing Care for General Medical, Mental Health, and Substance Use Disorders
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 1:00–3:00 PM Eastern Time
Pricing: Free for FSPHP members; $50 for non‑members.
This first‑of‑its‑kind program brings together leading experts to address the unique clinical, ethical, and relational complexities that arise when physicians themselves become patients. Attendees will gain evidence‑based strategies, practical frameworks, and deeper insight into supporting physician‑patients with compassion, competence, and professionalism.
Program Description
When a physician becomes a patient, the physician-patient and the treating clinician often discover a complicated care dynamic. The physician-patient brings extensive medical knowledge, professional identity, and unique vulnerabilities that shape the care experience. The treating physician encounters an uncommon clinical dynamic in which the ethical, emotional, and interpersonal dimensions differ significantly from their typical patient relationship.
This educational program equips physicians and other health care professionals to navigate these distinct dynamics with confidence and sensitivity. Attendees will acquire strategies that build trust, honor confidentiality, and engage the physician-patient in care that meets clinical needs and professional realities.
Why You Should Attend
This program is relevant to all physicians and to other healthcare professionals who give or receive care from physicians. Healthcare professionals who have a special interest in caring for physician patients should attend, including those affiliated with Physician and Health Care Professional Programs, such as workplace monitors or liaisons, therapists, and psychiatrists of physicians and primary care physicians who treat physician patients.
The webinar faculty includes nationally recognized leaders in physician health:
Michael J. Baron, MD, MPH, DFASAM, FAPA, Immediate Past President, FSPHP; Medical Director, Tennessee Medical Foundation Physician’s Health ProgramChris Bundy, MD, MPH, FASAM, Chief Medical Officer, FSPHP; Executive Medical Director, Washington Physicians Health ProgramPaul H. Earley, MD, DFASAM, Past-President and Southeast Regional Director, FSPHP; Medical Director Emeritus, Georgia Professional Health Program, Inc.Alexis Polles, MD, FASAM, Former Southeast Regional Director, FSPHP; Medical Director Emerita, Professionals Resource NetworkLisa Merlo, PhD, MPE, Research Committee Co-Chair, FSPHP; Professor of Psychiatry, University of Florida; Director of Research, Professionals Resource Network, Inc.
This educational opportunity is made possible by a grant from The Physicians Foundation, whose mission is to support and empower all physicians to provide high-quality care, to maintain the sanctity of the patient-physician relationship, and to take an active leadership role in shaping the future of health care.
Registration
Registration details and CME information are available on the FSPHP Online Learning Center at https://fsphp.mclms.net/en/package/19114/view.
About FSPHP: The FSPHP evolved over 30 years ago from initiatives taken by the American Medical Association, the Federation of State Medical Boards, and state medical societies. Physician and Health Professional Programs (PHPs) serve as a safe, confidential resource for the profession, focusing on outreach, education, and health monitoring for physicians at risk for impairment. Today, nearly every state has developed a PHP that operates within the parameters of state regulation and legislation.
The FSPHP is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) professional membership association with elected officers and a Board of Directors. FSPHP has the largest membership in history with 49 State Physician Health Program Members, and 328 total members of the association. More information about FSPHP can be found here www.fsphp.org.