RPh Recovery Program (MPHP)

We now have in place a program to help our colleagues who may be struggling with chemical dependency/addiction and or mental health issues. The Medical Professionals Health Program (MPHP) is conducted by the Maine Medical Association under protocols developed with the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine, the Maine Board of Osteopathic Licensure, the Maine Board of Dental Examiners, and the Maine Board of Pharmacy. The program is available to help medical professionals from the following disciplines, MD's, DO's, Dentists, Physician Assistants, Dental Hygenists, Denturists and Pharmacists. The Clinical Director of the program is Dr David Simmons MD and William Head PA-C serves as the programs Associate Clinical Director and Case Manager. The Committee of the MPHP is made up of members from their respective medical disciplines. The pharmacist members on the commitee include Tom Fitzpatrick RPh and John M Murray RPh.

What you can do to assist an impaired professional.

If you know a medical professional who is physically or mentally impaired due to the influence of drugs, including alcohol, or other causes - and who needs help - either contact the Clinical Director of the Committee on Medical Professionals Health or talk with that professional and have him contact the organization. The sooner treatment begins, the better.
If you, or a colleague, have a potential impairment problem, please contact the Medical Professionals Health Program (623-9266).

Remember, the impaired professional need not be a member of any professional society. The objective of the program is that of advocacy - to help return the impaired professional to healthy personal, familial, professional, and social functioning.
Following successful treatment of the participant, the Committee may serve as an advocate for the professional returning to practice. Reassurance provided to state agencies, hospitals and colleagues is critical to successful rehabilitation.
In the case of untreatable illness such as senility, retirement will be encouraged and help in retirement planning will be offered. If serious, untreatable impairing illness is discovered, the program will aid in finding alternative career choices.

Medical professionals and their families need not suffer alone with chemical dependency, psychological problems, or senility.

Help is available.

Copyright © 1999 - 2008 MMA - Maine Medical Association.
All Rights Reserved.

MPHP Rep: Tom Fitzpatricks

 Contact: John Murray, MPHP Coordinator

National PRN Website
(This is an excellent website with links to other recovery focused sites)

The Physicians Health Program

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Maine Office of Substance Abuse (OSA)