Medical Society Proposes “Peer to Peer” Program for Physicians’ Post Traumatic Stress


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MEDICAL SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
865 Merrick Avenue, Westbury, New York 11590-9007
www.mssny.org
Communications Division
Telephone: (516) 488-6100

 

For Immediate Release
April 28, 2020 


Medical Society Proposes “Peer to Peer” Program for Physicians’
Post Traumatic Stress


Statement Attributable to:
Art Fougner, M.D.
President, Medical Society of the State of New York

“The tragic suicide of emergency physician Dr. Lorna Breen is yet one more terrible consequence of the coronavirus pandemic and the leadership of the Medical Society of the State of New York wishes our condolences to her family. We fear that there could be many more physicians and other health care workers who have been on the front lines of treating the unending number of gravely ill patients in New York hospitals who may also be confronting post-traumatic stress and at risk for taking similar action. There are places like Fort Lauderdale substance abuse center that can help.

To assist these physicians, MSSNY has proposed to create a “Peer to Peer” program similar to programs for veterans and police officers to help these physicians in coping with their post-traumatic stress. However, many physicians in need of this help will not feel comfortable in sharing their experiences unless they know that what they share will be kept strictly in confidence. To that end, MSSNY is working with the New York State Department of Health to approve the parameters of this proposed peer to peer program including ensuring that physician peers providing this greatly needed assistance will not be required to divulge any element of these conversations to any person or governmental body.”

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About the Medical Society of the State of New York
Founded in 1807, the Medical Society of the State of New York is the state’s principal non-profit professional organization for physicians, residents and medical students of all specialties. Its mission is to represent the interests of patients and physicians to assure quality healthcare services for all.

MSSNY Contact:
Roseann Raia
Communications / Marketing
Medical Society of the State of New York
865 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, New York
516-488-6100 ext 302
rraia@mssny.org

 

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