Help is just a phone call away. The ISMA Physician Assistance Program is here to assist physicians experiencing difficulties in their personal or professional lives.

Untreated psychiatric, substance use or stress disorders can lead to issues in medical practice. Obtaining assistance during these challenging times can benefit physicians personally and help avert a crisis in the professional workplace. 
 
The Commission on Physician Assistance (COPA) is the physician oversight committee for the program, meeting quarterly. The program is also supported by a medical consultant and staffed by two licensed clinical social workers and an administrative assistant.

Program services include help with substance use disorders, mental health issues, and disruptive behavior.

The elements of the program include:

• Screening and, if appropriate, referral for evaluation and/or treatment.
• Consultation for physician health-related concerns.
• Case management and monitoring services designed to provide support and accountability to the physician.
• Advocacy services (e.g., status reports sent to physician's employer at physician's request).
• Education on the program and physician health-related concerns.

For assistance, call 1-800-257-4762 or 317-261-2060 and ask for the Physician Assistance Program staff. Additional wellness resources for physicians can be found at www.ismanet.org/PAP and www.ismanet.org/doctoryourspirit.