Bernie Levy, MD
With sadness, we note the passing of Dr. Bernie Levy, one of the founders of the Physician Health Services, Inc., (PHS) a subsidiary of the Massachusetts Medical Society. Bernie early on recognized the biologic basis of psychiatric
illness, and the importance of combining both a biologic and psychological approach, with understanding and compassion. Seeing the impact of mental health conditions on colleagues prompted him to become engaged in treating physicians, and developing
PHS, helping it become one of the leading programs in the US addressing issues of physician impairment and recovery. As PHS Director, he offered his unique combination of clinical insight, kindness and an evidence-based approach. He helped hundreds
of doctors recover from substance abuse and mental health problems, enabling them to return to effective practice while protecting the safety and well-being of patients. After his retirement from this role, he continued to serve on the PHS Clinical
Advisory Committee, offering his sage advice and insights. We are grateful for the time we had with him at PHS and offer our condolences to his family.
Glenn Pransky MD, MOccH
Associate Professor, Univ of MA Medical School
Depts of Medicine and Quantitative Health Sciences
Visiting Scientist, Harvard School of Public Health
