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The Physicians Benevolent Fund

  • Caring For Our Own: Tell a Colleague, Make a Donation

    Since 1961, TMA's Physicians Benevolent Fund has helped physicians by offering financial assistance – during times of dire financial need, for treatment or disabling conditions, and when natural disasters strike.

    Donate to PBF

  • "When we know someone in need, often the best thing we can do is direct them where they can find help."

    – Nancy Thorne Foster, MD, Chair, The Physicians Benevolent Fund Committee.

  • How PBF Helps Physicians and Their Families

    PBF offers financial support when physicians fall on hard times because of poverty, an accident, impairing conditions, hurricane, or other circumstances. PBF helps recipients with personal expenses such as rent/mortgage and utilities – as well as with treatment for depression, substance use, and other potentially impairing conditions. Following declared natural disasters, physicians can secure funds to restore their practices.

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

    Refer a friend confidentially by email.

    Make a Donation

  • Three Funds to Direct Your Support

    We can't predict who will need help next, so please consider donating today to one of three charitable funds set up to help Texas physicians. 

    The Physicians Benevolent Fund



    PBF provides financial assistance to Texas physicians and their families who have fallen on hard times and cannot meet their day-to-day needs. Through the years, the fund has helped physicians who are elderly and no longer practicing medicine, have become disabled or ill, and are widowed and raising families.

    Your gift provides monthly, life-saving support when physicians face adversity beyond their control. In times of personal crisis, this fund provides relief from mounting bills: for health care, basic utilities, living expenses, and other necessities.

     

    PBF Wellness Fund



    PBF Wellness Fund provides financial assistance to licensed Texas physicians who cannot afford short-term treatment for wellness issues potentially affecting their ability to practice medicine safely. Funds also may cover the family's household expenses while the physician is receiving treatment.

    Your gift can help physicians rebuild their career during a difficult time.

     

    PBF Disaster Relief Fund



    When natural disaster strikes, TMA’s PBF Disaster Relief Fund provides financial support to help Texas physicians recover and rebuild their practices. The fund activates upon Federal disaster declarations, such as Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Rita.

    Your donations allow TMA to respond quickly to aid physicians after Mother Nature delivers a blow.

  • PBF Eligibility and Application Process

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

    • Applicants must be licensed Texas physicians currently residing in the state.
    • Physician applicants must be 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.
    PBF Confidential Application

    PBF Wellness Eligibility and Application Process

    Applications are reviewed by The Physicians Benevolent Fund Committee to determine eligibility. Approved applicants may receive financial assistance for up to six months, dependent upon need.

    Complete Wellness Fund Details

    • Applicants must be licensed Texas physicians currently residing in the state.
    • Physicians may apply if they are unable to afford treatment for mental or substance-use disorders, or other potentially impairing conditions, or unable to meet household expenses while in treatment.
    • Applicants must provide verification of financial need, i.e., inability to secure a loan in the commercial marketplace.
    PBF Wellness Fund Application
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  • Physicians Helping Physicians

    Physicians dedicate their lives to helping patients, but sometimes physicians are the ones who find themselves in need of care.

    Refer a Friend Confidentially

  • Major Donor of The Physicians Benevolent Fund

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  • Donations

    The PBF is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your charitable contribution(s) are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by federal law. Gifts may be in the form of honoraria or memorials.

    Mail contributions to:

    The Physicians Benevolent Fund
    ATTN: Finance Department
    Texas Medical Association
    401 W. 15th St.
    Austin, Texas 78701-1680

    If you live outside the country and wish to make a donation, please click here or call (800) 880-1300, Ext. 1602.

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

  • Learn About PBF Founder May Owen, MD

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    As TMA president, Dr. Owen established TMA’s Physicians Benevolent Fund in 1961.

    Meet May Owen, MD

  • Plug Into Physician Health and Wellness

    The TMA Committee on Physician Health and Wellness provides educational resources to encourage health and well-being for physicians, residents, and medical students.

    Explore Resources

  • Contact Information

    For more information regarding The Physicians’ Benevolent Fund and its programs, please contact:

    Chris Johnson
    Texas Medical Association
    401 W. 15th Street
    Austin, TX 78701-1680

    (800) 880-1300, ext. 1602
    (512) 370-1602