TMA Insurance Trust Gift Helps Struggling Physicians
By Tammy Wishard

Physicians who’ve fallen on tough times won’t lack for help thanks to a $15,000 gift the Texas Medical Association Insurance Trust (TMAIT) has made for 2023 to support physicians who seek assistance through TMA’s Physicians Benevolent Fund (PBF). TMAIT’s gift is the third of three annual contributions it made to PBF since 2021. 

PBF provides financial assistance to Texas physicians and their families during times of personal hardship, for treatment of impairing conditions, and when natural disaster strikes.

“Donations from supporters like TMAIT help PBF continue to care for Texas physicians in need,” said Nancy Thorne Foster, chair of the PBF Committee. “These funds will help PBF achieve its goal to assist qualified recipients who are struggling to make ends meet because of personal crisis.”

The late May Owen, MD, a Fort Worth pathologist and TMA past president, established the fund with a $2,500 donation to aid the Family of Medicine during difficult times. Today, PBF has three funds to support Texas physicians:

  • PBF: Since 1961, physicians and their families have received more than $4.3 million in financial assistance to meet day-to-day needs following illness, accident, or other challenges.
  • PBF Disaster Relief Fund: Since 2005, physician practices have received more than $1.4 million to reestablish patient care after a natural disaster.
  • PBF Wellness Fund: This newest fund provides financial assistance to licensed Texas physicians seeking short-term treatment for wellness issues.

TMA family members can make a difference in a colleague’s or friend’s life by alerting those who may need assistance to these valuable resources, and by making a contribution to sustain the funds. 

If you know a physician or a physician’s family who could benefit, direct them to the PBF website for eligibility information and for the confidential application. You also can email Chris Johnson, program director, or call her at (512) 370-1602.

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 payable to The Physicians Benevolent Fund and addressed to Attn: TMA Finance Department, 401 W. 15th St., Ste. 100, Austin, TX 78701.

Last Updated On

January 19, 2023

Originally Published On

January 14, 2022

Tammy Wishard

Account Manager, Division of Communications and Marketing

(512) 370-1470
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.

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