About CPPPH

CPPPH was formed in 2009 by organizations with a long-standing involvement with physician health, namely the California Society of Addiction Medicine, the California Psychiatric Association, the California Medical Association, and the California Hospital Association.  Its activities are based in the understanding that supporting physician health contributes to public safety by providing services for physicians who face medical, substance use, psychological, behavioral and/or emotional issues that, if left unaddressed, could adversely impact their ability to deliver safe patient care.

Goals And Activities

  • To collaborate with physicians, physician groups and entities responsible for quality patient care in defining an optimum program for California
  • To provide consultation, education and assistance to strengthen the network of services
  • To develop guidelines and standards for physician health service providers
  • To create a full-scale statewide program that coordinates all the services needed to address the spectrum of physician health issues

History

CPPPH was formed by the Workgroup on Physician Health –  a coalition of medical and specialty societies, the hospital association, liability carriers and large medical groups.  The Workgroup had been convened as soon as the Medical Board of California announced its plan to close its Diversion Program for Physicians on June 30, 2008.   From its inception, the founders of CPPPH recognized that it would take time to establish a full-scale program that promotes physician wellness and coordinates the different services needed to address the full spectrum of physician health issues.  They developed a business plan to reach that goal with an incremental, phased-in approach, adding services and activities as they became feasible, and seeking legislation to establish a statewide program.

CPPPH Board of Directors

CPPPH is governed by an 8-member board. » Read More.

Regional Networks

Regional workshops are held every four months  for members of committees in any organization (hospital medical staff, medical group, county medical society, specialty society) with one presenter and ample time for questions, discussion and information sharing.  For dates and materials from the workshops, »Read More.

Proactive Approaches to Physician Health and Wellness

Educational materials suitable for presentations and handouts.  »Read more.

CSAM Clinical Advisory Task Force

In response to a request from CPPPH, the California Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM) established this group to provide advice on clinical questions and to prepare guidelines.  Members of the Task Force are persons working in the field today and knowledgeable about current resources and procedures in California.  »Read More.

Attorneys Advisory Group

Attorneys who specialize in matters for hospitals and hospital medical staffs provide advice to CPPPH and attend CPPPH educational activities so that legal issues are addressed.  »Read More.

Workgroup on Physician Health Programs

This coalition of stakeholders, including California Medical Association (CMA), California Society of Addiction Medicine (CSAM), California Psychiatric Association (CPA), California Society of Anesthesiologists (CSA), The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG), California Hospital Association (CHA), The Doctors Company  and others , was formed in 2009 to address the need for a physician health program after the closure of the Diversion Program for Physicians.  The coalition continues to work with CPPPH.  »Read More.

The CPPPH Staff

The staff team includes Sandra Bressler, CPPPH’s Organizational Consultant, Janis Thibault serving as a program consultant, Gail Jara, Executive Director and Olma Madrid in Administration.  »Read More

  • Board of Directors

    James T. Hay, MD, Chair
    California Medical Association

    Marvin Firestone, MD, JD
    California Psychiatric Association

    Lisa Folberg, MPP
    California Medical Association

    Randall Hagar
    California Psychiatric Association

    David Pating, MD
    California Society of Addiction Medicine

    David Perrott, MD, DDS
    California Hospital Association

    Lee T. Snook, Jr., MD
    California Medical Association

    Caroline Stewart, LCSW
    A New Path

  • Staff

    Gail Jara
    Executive Director

    Sandra E. Bressler
    Organizational Consultant

    Janis Thibault, MFT
    Program Consultant

    Olma Madrid
    Administration

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