One of the most important activities of PHS is to educate physicians, health care administrators, hospitals, HMOs and the public regarding the prevention, early identification, and treatment of addiction and other illnesses affecting physicians. Areas emphasized include stress prevention, prescribing practices, practice improvement, communication skills, and time management. PHS services are not limited to alcoholism, substance abuse, and mental health problems, but also include assistance with physical, emotional, and behavioral problems.
Articles regarding issues of physician well-being have become a regular feature in Vital Signs, the monthly member publication of the Massachusetts Medical Society. PHS regularly exhibits materials at conferences and professional meetings where we are able to personally meet physicians and present the various ways in which the program can be of service to them.
