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The Physicians Benevolent Fund

  • What is The Physicians Benevolent Fund?

    Since 1961, The Physicians Benevolent Fund has helped Texas physicians financially during times of personal hardship such as life-changing illness or diagnosis, an accident, or the death of a physician spouse. PBF helps recipients with personal expenses such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and mounting health care bills. It is a lifeline when they have nowhere else to turn.

  • Eligibility and Application Process

    Applicants must be licensed Texas physicians currently residing in the state who are in good standing with the Texas Medical Board. Applicants must display personal financial need, i.e., funds are not granted to medical practices with financial needs. Recipients cannot hold in liquid assets more than the current  Health and Human Services Poverty Guidelines  for income. 

    Applications are reviewed by The Physicians Benevolent Fund Committee in the spring and fall, with emergency cases considered in the interim. Eligible applicants are required to complete an interview with the PBF program director. 

    PBF Confidential Application

  • Testimonials from PBF Recipients

    “Your continued support has been/is vital to Marie’s* ability to continue to live with some dignity and peace of mind, and we are all forever grateful.”
    – Family member of a PBF recipient

    “We didn’t have enough money to pay our bills. If it wasn’t for them [PBF staff], I wouldn’t be living in that house all this length of time after my husband passed away. I survived with their help. They became my family – my extended family.”
    – Widow of the late Roy S. Currie, MD 

    “After a financial crisis beginning in 2001 that depleted our resources, we were assisted for seven months. The PBF came to our rescue and continued their care and assistance through my husband’s illnesses and death.”
    – Widow of the late William J. Reeves Jr., MD

    “Without PBF assistance, I would not be able to pay for my health care. Thank you all so much! I can't survive without this and your help.”
    – Dr. F, a PBF recipient

    *Name changed to protect anonymity.

  • How You Can Help

    Your contributions and referrals make a difference for physicians, and can help them rebuild their home and family, career, or practice.

  • Connect Those in Need to PBF

    Physicians dedicate their lives to helping patients, but sometimes physicians are the ones who find themselves in need. Asking for help can be difficult, so PBF relies on word of mouth to direct financial assistance to those who are walking through a difficult time.

    Please steer colleagues and friends to the PBF website if they could benefit from assistance. Or refer them directly to TMA; a PBF staff member will reach out to them confidentially. TMA staff strive to protect the anonymity of fund applicants/recipients.

    Refer a Friend

    Donate to the Funds

    We can’t predict who will need help next, so consider donating to PBF so we can continue to assist Texas physicians. The PBF is a 501(c)(3): Charitable contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by federal law.

    Make checks payable to:
    The Physicians Benevolent Fund

    Mail to: Texas Medical Association
    ATTN: Finance Department
    401 W. 15th St.
    Austin, Texas 78701-1680

    Thank you to the TMA Alliance
    for annual support of PBF.

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