The Massachusetts Medical Benevolent
Society has provided grants to physicians and their families
experiencing financial difficulty since 1857.
During the first century, most support
was for disabled physicians, widows, and children. Occasionally,
but not often, a physician with a substance abuse issue applied for
aid. But today, illness and substance abuse are common reasons for
application, and these issues often cause impairment of physician
performance so serious that it leads to license suspension or
revocation by the Board of Registration in Medicine.
Unemployment, long and expensive
periods of rehabilitation, enormous legal fees, and devastating
psychological disruption of family ties result.
Resident physicians who find they are
challenged mentally or physically must be terminated as per the
regulations of the National Institute of Health grants. Chiefs of
services are left without a choice in the matter. As these
residents struggle to overcome their disability, they are also
faced with the additional burden of trying to meet medical school
loans and living expenses at this vulnerable time. The ability of
the Benevolent Society to support residents provides the support
often necessary to arrange evaluations or to simply meet living
expenses.
In recent years the Benevolent Society
has experienced an unprecedented demand for its resources dedicated
to supporting these physicians with catastrophic career
interruptions. The major source of our support comes from yearly
contributions by members of the Massachusetts Medical Society and
other physicians.
Continued support of these physicians
in ongoing, difficult circumstances is essential. We need
your help so that we can continue to financially assist physicians
and their families coping with loss and/or recovery. The need is
great. We look to you to help your fellow physicians in distress.
(See Testimonials)
Please consider Benevolent Society
membership in the following categories, or make a memorial or
tribute donation. Also, consider a bequest in your estate
planning.
Please send your tax-deductible
contribution, along with a membership dues form to:
Massachusetts Medical Benevolent
Society
860 Winter Street
Waltham, MA 02451-1414
Tel: (781) 434-7809
We invite you to become a partner
in supporting physicians and/or families in financial
crisis.
Please consider planned giving
through a charitable remainder trust, gift of life insurance, or in
your will.
Contact the Benevolent Society for
more information.
