John G. Flores, MD, will admit that physicians are reticent to ask for personal help for themselves. That’s why the Texas Medical Association’s Speaker of the House is thankful someone is watching out for those in need.
The Physicians Benevolent Fund (PBF), which Dr. Flores oversees as chair, fulfills that role. And the application committee is grateful for donors like the TMA Insurance Trust, which recently gifted another $15,000 donation to the PBF, lifting its total contributions to $90,000 since 2021.
“Without the donors, we couldn’t help anybody,” said Dr. Flores, an internist from Little Elm. “That is a very generous donation, and the consistency of it will make sure we can help people, not just for months but for years. We’re very thankful to them.”
PBF started in 1961 to help qualified applicants address various needs through direct financial assistance. Often regarded as providers for their communities, it can be difficult for physicians to work their entire professional lives and then be unable to afford their own needs, Dr. Flores said.
“For someone to ask us for help, typically it’s not a grave situation, but it’s due to serious changes in their lives. ... Their family has complications or there have been changes in their work or something like that.”
PBF Director Chris Johnson said the funds are meant for personal expenses and day-to-day living, not business expenses. “For example, some of our recipients have serious health issues, and we would hate for them to lose their health insurance because they can’t afford it.”
PBF has given $4.7 million to physicians and their families since its inception more than six decades ago. Recipients’ identities are kept confidential. PBF staff works with the recipients to make sure the funds are spent appropriately, Dr. Flores said.
PBF’s contributions can make a huge impact, as evidenced by a recent thank you note submitted by a recipient.
“On behalf of myself, my wife, and our children, I would like to sincerely thank you for the assistance we have received through The Physicians’ Benevolent Fund. The support provided has been extremely helpful thus far, and we are truly grateful for your generosity and compassion.
“Your willingness to support physicians and their families during challenging times makes a meaningful difference, and we deeply appreciate the care and consideration shown by the committee.”
For fund eligibility details and to complete a confidential questionnaire, contact Chris Johnson. More information about PBF’s eligibility rules and the application process can be found on its website.
“The general public assumes that all physicians are rich, and that’s just not the case due to bad savings habits or illness or becoming a widow,” said Gail Schatte, the PBF associate vice president. “We’ve seen a lot of different situations, and it’s nice to know physicians and their families can fall back on this when there is nowhere else to turn. It’s physicians helping physicians.”
Anyone can make a charitable donation to the PBF. If you’d like to help physicians in need, contribute via a secure online donation. Donations to PBF are tax deductible as permitted by federal law. Or, you can send a check to The Physicians Benevolent Fund, Attn: TMA Finance Department, 401 W. 15th St., Ste 100, Austin, TX 78701-1680.