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Support Physicians in Need With Donation to the Physicians Benevolent Fund
By Tammy Wishard

As the Physicians Benevolent Fund (PBF) marks 60 years of extending help and hope to Texas physicians, you can help the family of medicine sustain this Texas Medical Association legacy during the giving season.

PBF provides financial assistance to physicians and their families during times of financial hardship, for treatment of impairing conditions, and when natural disasters strike. It was started in 1961 with a $2,500 donation from the late May Owen, MD, a Fort Worth pathologist and past president of TMA.

“Dr. Owen’s foresight has allowed TMA to generously support physicians for 60 years when they have found themselves in need,” said Nancy Thorne Foster, MD, chair of the PBF Committee. “With your support, this fund can continue to restore medical families, careers, and practices.”

Over the years, PBF has provided $4.3 million to help countless physicians and their families, including those who have become disabled or ill, who are widowed and raising families, and who face challenges after their career ends. More than $1.4 million has gone toward helping physicians rebuild their practices and reestablish patient care after a natural disaster.

In 2020, PBF expanded to include the PBF Wellness Fund to provide financial assistance for physicians who cannot afford treatment for conditions that may hinder their ability to practice medicine safely.

TMA family members can support PBF in two ways: Contribute to the fund, or share this valuable resource with friends or colleagues who may need assistance.

Contributions are tax-deductible and may be in the form of honoraria or memorials. You can make a secure, online donation or send a check (make payable to The Physicians Benevolent Fund and mail to Attn: TMA Finance Department, 401 W. 15th St., Ste. 100, Austin, TX 78701).

If you know a physician or a physician's family who could benefit, please direct them to the PBF website for qualification details and a confidential questionnaire. Or contact Chris Johnson, PBF senior program manager, by email or at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1602. TMA staff strive to protect the anonymity of fund recipients.

Last Updated On

December 09, 2021

Originally Published On

December 09, 2021

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Physicians Benevolent Fund

Tammy Wishard

Account Manager, Division of Communications and Marketing

(512) 370-1470
tammy.wishard[at]texmed[dot]org  
Tammy Wishard

Tammy Wishard is an account manager in TMA’s Marketing Department. She works with TMA’s Office of Trust Fund Administration and other departments to help communicate the broad range of services and resources TMA offers its members. She has a 25-plus-year history with TMA, where she started as a writer/editor. Tammy, a proud Iowa native, is a graduate of Abilene Christian University.

More stories by Tammy Wishard  

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