For The Betterment of Public Health Since 1791

Physician Health Program (NH PHP)

The New Hampshire Medical Society’s (NHMS) Physician Health Program (NH PHP) was developed with the Board of Medicine in 1994 to work with referred physicians for chemical, alcohol and/or behavioral problems. The Program involves assessment followed when appropriate by contracted treatment and monitoring usually in a diversionary setting. It is available to all licensed physicians, dentists, physician assistants, and residents who practice in NH or seek licensure in NH regardless of their location or membership status in the NHMS. The estimated prevalence rate of chemical dependence in the target group is 10% but the prevalence of behavioral or mental health problems in the physicians of NH is unknown. With over 4,000 physicians licensed in NH, we estimate that this Program should involve 400+ physicians with chemical dependence during their careers. The number of behavioral problems may be even greater.

In 2002 Sally Garhart, MD became the Director of the NH Physician Health Program. She specializes in internal and occupational medicines with certification in Addiction Medicine through the American Society of Addictions Medicine (ASAM) and as a Medical Review Officer (MRO). In the fall of 2004 the program added Deanne Chapman PA-C as the Administrator of the growing program. This additional staff has allowed the Program to increase visibility with a monthly email bulletin on physician health issues. Both Dr. Garhart and Ms Chapman are practicing medicine and only work part-time for the NH PHP.

The NH PHP put on a May 2005 conference entitled “When Good Physicians Behave Badly” with nationally known experts in the field of disruptive behavior. In attendance (101) were representatives from 20 NH hospitals, the Board of Medicine, the Attorney Generals office, the NHMS Committee on Physician Health and 12 physician groups. In October 2005 the NH PHP sponsored the first in an ongoing series of provider communication education courses with Maysel White Kemp PhD, a specialist in healthcare communication training. The program was very well received.

All states have PHPs and most participate in the Federation of State Physician Health Programs where Dr. Garhart represents the Northeast on the Board of Directors.

View program brochure [PDF}

For additional information contact Sally Garhart, MD  603-491-5036 or email sgarhart@bedfordboac.com