By: Sara Hussey, MBA, CAE – ACMS Executive Director
As we conclude the ACMS Self-Care in Healthcare 2024 initiative, it’s important to reflect on the strides we’ve made in supporting the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals. This year has been pivotal, with the Allegheny County Medical Society leading conversations and actions aimed at tackling physician burnout, advocating for mental health resources, and reducing the stigma around seeking help. One of the most significant milestones this year was Pennsylvania’s modification of the impairment question on physician license applications—a crucial win for healthcare professionals across the state.
In response to advocacy efforts from numerous organizations, including the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Foundation of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation, the American Medical Association, and others, Pennsylvania has taken steps to remove barriers that previously deterred physicians from seeking mental health care. The newly updated language on license applications is designed to minimize the stigmatization of mental health issues, ensuring that physicians feel empowered to seek treatment without fearing punitive action or discrimination.
As PAMED President Kristen Sandel, MD, remarked, “The changes in the licensing language are an important initial step to improving the sustainability and burnout in physicians in Pennsylvania. This is one of the many initiatives that we have tackled this year in order to revitalize our profession and restore the joy in practicing medicine and in our everyday lives.”
PAMED shares that historically, the licensing applications included vague and potentially discriminatory questions regarding a physician’s personal history and professional conduct. These questions often deterred healthcare professionals from seeking help for fear of losing their credentials, violating workplace privacy, and possibly breaching the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The recent changes clarify that physicians are only required to disclose if they are currently suffering from a condition that impairs their judgment or ability to practice medicine and are not receiving appropriate treatment. This shift encourages transparency while protecting physicians’ rights and privacy.
This victory highlights how the healthcare community can come together to effect meaningful change, and it serves as a fitting conclusion to our Self-Care in Healthcare 2024 efforts. By addressing the systemic challenges that contribute to physician burnout, we continue to support our members in leading healthier, more balanced professional lives.
As we look forward to 2025, let’s carry this momentum forward, ensuring that self-care is not just a temporary initiative but an integral part of our professional culture. Together, we can continue advocating for a healthcare environment that prioritizes the well-being of its caregivers, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for all.
For more information on this issue and the ongoing advocacy efforts, visit Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation.