Physicians facing unexpected times of hardship can access short-term support through the Physicians Benevolent Fund (PBF) – though many don’t know they can use it temporarily, stewards of the fund say.
“Physicians don’t necessarily need to face situations that require ongoing aid to be eligible for the fund,” said Office of Trust Fund Administration Associate Vice President Gail Schatte. “PBF helps fill the gap during tough times, so, ultimately, physicians can get back on their feet and back to practicing medicine.”
Some physicians who’ve benefited from the fund in the past have received provisional financial assistance for unforeseen emergency expenses, or for personal bills accrued during times away from work, adds Office of Trust Fund Administration Director Chris Johnson. Some recipients were monetarily sustained during rounds of chemotherapy treatment, for example, while others received assistance while recovering from surgery.
Created in 1961 by past Texas Medical Association President May Owen, MD, PBF financially supports Texas physicians and their immediate families during difficult times, such as injury, health decline, and disability. In 2019, the program grew to include financial support for treatment of potentially impairing conditions with the PBF Wellness Fund.
Over six decades, the main Benevolent Fund has distributed over $4.6 million in financial assistance to more than 800 Texas physicians in their times of need. Through the fund, physicians can receive both temporary aid for personal expenses – such as mortgage, utilities, transportation, and one-time health care bills – as well as long-term assistance, including for ongoing medical care, rent and housing costs, and grocery expenses.
Physicians needing financial assistance or those who know of a physician or physician’s family in need can contact Ms. Johnson via email. PBF applicants must:
- Be licensed Texas physicians currently residing in the state who are in good standing with the Texas Medical Board;
- Display personal financial need, i.e., funds are not granted to medical practices with financial needs; and
Applications are reviewed by the PBF committee. Eligible applicants are required to complete an interview with the PBF program director.
Application eligibility and guidelines for the PBF Wellness Fund are also available online.
If you’d like to help sustain the fund to support physicians in need, make a secure, online donation or send a check to The Physicians Benevolent Fund or PBF Wellness Fund, Attn: TMA Finance Department, 401 W. 15th St., Austin, TX 78701-1680. Contributions are tax-deductible and may be in the form of honoraria or memorials.
Alisa Pierce
Reporter, Division of Communications and Marketing
(512) 370-1469